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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES
DIRECTION* OF INDUSTRIES.
NATIONAL SECTION OF MINING AND GEOLOGY.
OFFICIAL REPORT
UPON
THE MINES, MINING, METALLURGY
AND MINING LAWS, &c., &c.
OF THE
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
BY
H. D. H/XOSKOLD
MINING AND CIVIL ENGINEER.
CHIEF OF THE NATIONAL OFFICES OF MINES AND GEOLOGY.
MEMBER OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS,
AND OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF MINING ENGINEERS (NEW YORK CITY).
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
AND OF THE
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
AND ALSO
LIFE MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF ARTS, LONDON.
AUTHOR OF A PRACTICAL TREATISE UPON MINING, LAND AND RAILWAY
SURVEYING AND ENGINEERING.
THE ENGINEERS VALUING ASSISTANT.
VARIOUS ANNUAL OFFICIAL REPORTS UPON THE MINES OF THE REPUBLIC
AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC WORKS.
SOUTH AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY
1904
PREFACE
In 1887, the author was honoured and commissioned by
the National Government, to write an original work upon the
Mining and Metallurgical Industries and allied subjects of this
Republic, in the Spanish and French languages, to be illustra-
ted with Maps, Plans and Sections. Those works were com-
prehensive, and extensively distributed at the Universal Exhi-
bition of Paris, in 1889: as, also, throughout the principal cities
of Europe, the British colonies, North and South America; and,
at the Chicago Exhibition, in 18Q3, they were examined by
the International Jury of technical literature, who accorded the
highest award.
Considering that no authorized official work upon the sub-
jects named above has appeared within a quarter of a century,
in the English language, the writer has been again honoured
with a commission from His Excellency, the Minister of Agri-
culture, Commerce and Industry, Doctor WenceslaoEscalante,
and by the President of the Argentine Directive Commission
of the San Louis Exhibition, (United States of North America)
1Q04, to write a new work upon the Mining and Metallurgical
Industries, etc., of the Country, in the English language, osten-
sibly for distribution in the Exhibition indicated. Also to make
134534
IV PREFACE
and classify a characteristic collection of minerals, sufficient
to represent the country in a dignified manner.
Considering that the author received his instructions rather
late, he regrets that the time at his disposal to complete the
work indicated was much too limited and, consequently, he
found it impossible to postpone its completion until all the
requested data came in.
Naturally, therefore, it may be inferred that consequent
upon the too hurried manner in which the work was obliged
to be written that defects and omissions exist in it.
However, it is proposed to produce a second edition, at an
early date, and it will then be possible to eliminate imperfec-
tions and to present it in an extended form.
H. D. HOSKOLD.
Buenos Aires, 30 April 1904.
CHAPTER I
Historical Notice Upon The Ancient Mines And
Mining in the Argentine Republic, etc.
With a view of rendering this introductory chapter as inte-
resting as possible, and as a Standard of reference upon the
subjects introduced in it, all accessible sources of information,
traditional and otherwise, in any way bearing upon the
ancient mines and mining in this Republic, have, it is believed,
been exhausted.
In order to give to it a more general, or broader scope, it
has been considered necessary to note at some length con-
nected historical events referring to other parts of South
America.
In this way, it has been sought to raise from obscurity va-
rious points of National interest which may be considered to
benefit the present and future generations, which otherwise
may have been forgotten and lost to the general public.
The historical records which have .been handed down re-
ferring to the state of South America anterior, and at the time
of the Spanish conquest, were chiefly confined to official and
private documents written during the Spanish campaign un-
2 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
dertaken against the aborigines, and immediately after the
final victory. The former were comparatively few, and consist-
ed chiefly of communications made to the court in Spain by
military officials, and others residing in the country, while some
of the latter were retained in the offices of the Spanish
Authorities in America, and found their way into the hands of
family descendants residing in Spain, and in America; but
in the latter case many of these papers, which were of the
greatest ^importance, were lost or otherwise destroyed during
the troubled times of the Civil wars, which raged furiously
for a protracted period in many parts of the Argentine Re-
public.
These circumstances, connected with the extraordinary
neglect, and little interest possessed by some of the official au-
thorities from the time of the conquest and for a considerable
time afterwards, are among some of the principal reasons why
the Provincial Argentine Archives are so scant in information
of every kind; there is, therefore, little more than tradition re-
maining to guide us in framing a judgement upon the occur-
rences forming the long history of the various aboriginal tribes
then inhabiting this part of South America, and if we were to-
analyse the numerous transmitted accounts, we should find
that they are so vague, conflicting and uncertain in their cha-
racter, that to attempt to unravel and deduce the truth by that
medium, would entail a study hopelessly beset with insupera-
ble difficulties.
A very great interest is, however, attached to this obscurer
although important subject, which increases in intensity in-
proportion to the extent of the study devoted to it.
Doubtless it was this laudable spirit of enterprise which
impelled Prescott to the irresistible desire to enquire into,
unravel, and determine, as far as it was then possible, fhe cir-
cumstances connected more especially with the last of a long
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 3
line of potentates of Mexico and Peru; and as a result, present
to us works so interesting, important, exhaustive, and graphi-
cally written, that it is vain to hope that they will ever be mate-
rially improved by the introduction of independent facts of
importance, or indeed, that anything new will be brought to
light, unless continued expeditions were to be undertaken in
South American countries, especially in the Argentine Re-
public which is the principal part of this great Southern Con-
tinent, under the patronage, and at the cost of some liberal
government.
The origin of the various Aborigines, or Indian tribes of
South America, like their history, is very obscure, and as it
appears has never been definitely determined, or indeed
approximated; but it is reasonable to infer, that a practical
study conducted by commissions of modern linguists and
scientists, of the different types of indians and their customs,
as compared to the well known types of the human family in
general in other parts of the world, would produce results of
an important and more reliable character.
The difference which exists between the types of Indians
in respect to their physiognomical cast, general physique, cus-
toms and language, could not have been brought about by sim-
ple migration, or the separation of one part of a family from
the other in the same.
The solution of this question must, therefore, be sought for
upon independent grounds: for, it is highly probable,— if not
quite certain,— that there existed indians who had migrated
to South America, long before the period of the Inca domina-
tion, and this seems to be proved beyond all doubt, by the
great difference existing in the ancient pottery frequently
discovered in different parts of this country.
The investigations which I have made relative to this ques-
tion, have induced me to form this opinion. It is, also, highly
4 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
probable that one of these Indian tribes, at least, originally
descended from the ancient Egyptian race. Certain sculp-
tures, and other objects in my possession, especially those
of Mexico, confirm this hypothesis.
It is clearly stated by Garcilaso de la Vega, who wrote in
160Q, and afterwards confirmed by the researches of Prescott
and others, that the Incas of Peru, and Aztecs of Mexico, had
attained a considerable degree of civilisation and organised
government, and consequently, Architecture, Mechanics, En-
gineering of Aqueducts, Bridges, and Roads, and inventions
suitable to their condition, existed and were practiced to a
large extent, and that the use of the metals of gold, silver and
copper, was well known to them as their metallurgical re-
mains now prove.
Mining, and the art of converting the minerals by metallur-
gical processes to the form required for ornaments, utensils
necessary for their religious services, and domestic use, also
flourished in a very high degree; but mining was not confined
to a mere search for precious metals and minerals on the banks
and in the beds of streams, for we have evidence that it em-
braced the more formal mode of attacking the veins of min-
eral at the surface in the form of open quarries, and shallow
galleries, and as the veins of mineral were numerous, there
could not have been any reason, or necessity, to extend
their workings to any considerable depth.
Some of the mines worked by the Incas were said to be
situated near to Cuzco, in the valley of Curimayo to the North
East of Caxamarca, and at Porco, near Potosi.
The mines within the jurisdiction of the Incas, were their
exclusive property, and the common people were not per-
mitted to appropriate any of the production for their own
particular use.
Considering that the government of the Incas consisted in
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 5
a perfect protectorate of all its subjets, under which system
none could become poor or rich, it is evident that the people
would have had no occasion to share in the production of the
mines. However, these restrictions applied more particularly
to Peru, than to the tributary tribes occupying tracts of land
further to the South, as in Bolivia and the Argentine Republic.
During the time occupied, in my various expeditions in
the interior of the country, I discovered in several parts of the
Province of Catamarca, many instruments of hardened cop-
per, fabricated and used by the Indians, and some of these
are capable of receiving a very fine and durable cutting edge,
scarcely inferior to that of soft steel.
Some antiquarians are of opinion that the indians possessed
a secret process for producing this effect, but others assert
that this property in the copper is due to a slight mixture of
tin. Humboldt, for instance, states that an instrument of this
class which he took to France, assayed 0.94 °/0 of copper,
and 0,06 % of tin. I have not, however, cared to ruin my Indian
instruments by subjecting them to a similar process, as I am
not of opinion that the presence of tin is a sufficient explana-
tion. Possibly these instruments do not date anterior to the
time of the Incas.
Those princes had, according to history, subjugated the
independent tribes of older Indians as far as 35° South latitude,
but it is possible that their domination extended further South.
My own examinations have produced evidence that the
Incas ruled the tribes in the territory now occupied by the
small village of Cerro Negro, near Vinchina, in the Province
of La Rioja.
It appears to me to be almost certain that the tribes thus
dominated were the descendents of those who occupied the
land long before the time of the Incas, and as I have previously
noted, particular evidence of this is to be found in the great
6 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
difference existing between the pottery manufactured during
the time of the older Indians, and that of the Inca period. This
is so decidedly marked, that when once the key to the secret
is present, the evidence of age is apparent.
Very few utensils of gold have been discovered in the Pro-
vinces of Catamarca and La Rioja; probably therefore, tribute
to the Incas was principally paid in silver. When we consider
the large number of silver veins which existed at the surface in
the mountains of Famatina, Province of La Rioja, this conclu-
sion is certain.
Some years since, a small Ink, or Paint-Bottle, beautifully
made in gold, was discovered in a tomb in the ruins of an
immense Indian village near the town of Tinogasta, in the Pro-
vince of Catamarca, and it is certain that the Incas ruled this
territory: for, to this day, these ancient ruins bear the name of
Rio del Inca, i. e., River of the Incas. The instrument of gold,
previously referred to, must have been a present from one ot
the Incas in Peru to Tino, the Cacique of the tribe of Indians
occupying that place, or at least, to some other representative
before the time of Tino.
I have taken considerable interest in examining the ruins of
many of the Indian villages, and some deserve special notice:
for instance, that of Guatungasta, an ancient Indian vil-
lage, the ruins of which are now called La Troya, near
the small village of Anillaco, a half days journey to the North
of Tinogasta. At this place may be seen the circular adobe
houses, evidently belonging to the chiefs of the tribe, and
these are in excellent preservation.
Some few excavations have been made at different points in
the ruins, and many objects of interest were discovered; for
example, two of these consisted of silver coins or medals, about
the size and weight of an English five shilling piece, one of
which was sold to a gentleman in Catamarca, and the other
came into my possession.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 7
It is said that the first mentioned was covered with charac-
ters which, if true, renders it doubly interesting and valuable,
not only from a metallurgical point of view, but for historical
and philological investigations.
We have no positive information to prove whether an inter-
change of articles between the states of Peru and Mexico, and
others adjoining, took place or not, but considering that the
Incas were frequently at war, it is probable that no interchange
took place and, for that reason, money could have had no ob-
ject in Peru. It has, however, been stated that the Mexicans
possessed a coinage system, and that the Peruvians used silver
balances beautifully adjusted.
The silver pieces previously referred to must, therefore, have
been medals, or tokens of distinction, sent by the Inca to Gua-
tun, the Cacique of the Indian tribe which flourished at the
site referred to, in the Province of Catamarca or, it may have
been sent to some governing chief representing the Inca, ei-
ther before, or after the time of Guatun.
The Indians continually traversed every part of their coun-
try for the object of the chase, searching for earths, gum, and
stones necessary for paints and implements of war, etc., anj
they were consequently well aware of the existence, and par-
ticular situation of most of the important rich mineral veins
and deposits of gold, silver, and copper, which appeared at,
or near to the surface.
It is also possible that they knew of the existence of gold
and silver, in the copper ore existing in certains forms and
consequently would have been rendered visible by the action
of fire, and doubtless this was a common practice of the
Indians, especially in Peru, where the metal was extracted
from the crude mineral in air furnaces built upon elevated
places.
From all these circumstances, it is evident that immediately
8 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
after the conquest the Spanish Jesuits very properly availed
themselves of the opportunity thus presented to them, of dis-
covering the secret of the Indian mineral treasures. At the time
of their settlement in the country, one of the chief objects was
to subject the Indians to their religious system and protection,
and they not only succeeded in doing this, but they cultivated
large tracts of land in Misiones and other places, for the sup-
port of the Indian people, built towns, churches and schools:
introduced a complete social system , and thus gained a
noble and complete controul, and the entire confidence of
the Indians, from whom correct information of the position
of the mineral treasures was obtained. Thus, they not only
secured free action and independence for themselves, but they
rendered a great service to the natives, improving their general
condition, and doubtless would have continued to advance the
civilizing work to a high standard, had the jealousy and cupidity
of their opponents given place to elements of a praiseworthy
character; but the frequent demands for contingents of men
and resources to aid in the defense of the seaboard settlements
weakened their efforts; and eventually, the false representa-
tjpns made to the court of Spain by conspirators brought
about the ruin and final expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767.
The discovery made by that indefatigable navigator, Colum-
bus and his followers, and the exhibition of the immense num-
ber of rich gold ornaments, and utensils which they took to
the Court of Spain, raised the spirit of the Spaniards to the
highest degree ot elasticity, but as history testifies, instead of
exercising clemency towards a noble but conquered race, they
sought to discover the great deposits of treasure of Atahualpa,
the last of the Incas.
Part of the gold and silver obtained from the Indians, and
which had probably been stored up during the lapse of ages,
was taken from the sacred and other buildings, and carried off
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 0
but the principal source whence the precious metal was
originally obtained was entirely neglected and, perhaps, lost
for ever.
There is no evidence to prove that the Spaniads commen-
ced to work the mines in a general manner immediately after
the conquest, for the inference is that they were too much
glutted with gold and silver to permit of this for a considera-
ble time aftewards. However, the mines of Porco, situated near
the mountains of Potosi, were granted to Hernando and Alma-
gro Pizarro— for military services— somewhere about the year
1539 or 1540.
They obtained large returns from the mines, by which
means they were enabled to carry on Civil strife in Peru, which
ultimately extended to pretensions against the authority of the
Spanish Crown, and ended fatally for Pizarro.
These mines continued very productive in the hands of the
Pizarros, and their chief military Captain Francisco de Carba-
jal, up to 1546 or 1547, but, as previously noted, the mines
were worked by the Incas long before 1539, but how many
centuries earlier, cannot now be determined.
The number of Incas that reigned in Peru, is much in dis-
pute, but if we could determine with certainy the number of
these princes in their succession, and the number of years
each reigned, then we could fix a date when this domination
commenced.
Suppose, for example, that there were 20 Inca Princes, and
that each reigned 35 years, then we should have a date as early
as 822 A. D., but even this would not prove that the more an-
cient tribes did not work and utilise the minerals which must
have been found in great abundance in many parts of the sur-
face of the territory occupied by them.
Prestcott states in effect, that Carbajal worked the mines of
Potosi for Gonzalo Pizarro, and that he came upon a vein of
10 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
silver richer than any previously "discovered in Mexico or Pe-
ru". It is also stated that the vein now discovered at Potosi was
so rich that the other mines were comparatively deserted in
order to work it. For this authority, Don Juan Ortiz de Zarate,
Governor in Paraguay in 1565. (Conq. del Peru, lib. VI, cap.
IV) is quoted.
It is not clear whether the mines abandoned were those at
Porco, or some older ones at Potosi; but considering that this
new discovery was made about the year 1546, it is probable
that reference was made to the abandonment of older mines
at Potosi, and not at Porco. Oarcilaso de la Vega, states that
shortly after this period "an iron horse-shoe was worth nearly
its weight in silver".
I was informed by a particular friend, formerly connected
with the government of Catamarca, that recently a notice had
been received from Spain in reference to the position of a rich
gold mine, said to be situated somewhere in the Cerro Ambato,
near the capital of that Province, and that it was possessed by
the Spanish Crown soon after the conquest, and that the
entrance to the mine had been secretly closed?
It was also stated, that the Crown of Spain possessed the
rich mines of Potosi, at the same time as the gold mines re-
ferred to in the notice.
For rebellion, Gonzalo Pizarro was executed in America
about the year 1548, or 1550, and his mines at Porco, and those
at Potosi, must have been forfeited to the Spanish Crown.
Doubtless this is the correct explanation of the notice referred
to, and if so, the date of the possession by the Spanish Crown
is clear, but how long this gold mine existed prior to this date,
there is no evidence to show; but it, also, must have belonged
to the Inca period.
Great interest was felt in Catamarca, and an exploring party
was sent out, the ultimate report of which was, that nothing
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 11
more than traces of approaches to the mine had been dis-
covered.
The establishment of a Mint at Potosi, dates as early as 1561 ;
but, as has been previously noticed, these mines were worked
at a much earlier date.
Humboldt considers that the first period of these mines ex-
tended from 1556 to 1578; but, possibly, this had reference to
the more formal mode in which they were worked, and not to
the superficial workings carried on by the Incas.
The Cerro de Pasco, in Peru, appears to have been discov-
ered in 1630, and according to the best authority, the first
South American Mining Company was formed in Quito, in
1557, for the object of lending money for working mines, but
the result of this combination is unknown.
It appears that the Indians who resided upon the tract of
territory now included in the western part of the Argentine
Republic, made their last great stand against the Spaniards
upon the plains and mountains contiguous to the eastern slo-
pes of Ihe Andes, it is therefore likely, that this part of South
America was occupied by the Spaniards at a later date than
Peru and Mexico, further to the North.
A few scant notices exist in reference to mines of Gold and
Silver, which were discovered on the slopes of the Andes on
the side of Cuyo, near Mendoza, about the year 1638, and it is
stated that many miners from Potosi went there to work in the
mines, and that at a little depth, water was encountered putting
an end to further progress. It is also recorded, that Father
Ovalle passed the Andes in 1640, and saw these gold mines,
and afterwards wrote letters from Rome referring to the sub-
ject. The letter of Father Ovalle must have been dated about
1641, or 1642.
The Indians living South and South West of Mendoza, as
far as Patagonia, have a tradition that the ruin of their nation
12 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
was occasioned by the desire of the white men to obtain the
rich mines which their ancestors possessed. This seemed to
have created great antipathy, so much so, that friendly whites
could obtain no information referring to the position of hidden
mines: and such enquiries always created great displeasure.
Considering that until very recently the Pampa, and moun-
tain Indians, were fierce warriors, and committed many depre-
dation against the white settlers, it is scarcely likely that a
party of miners could have been sustained at the gold mines
atCuyo for any considerable time anterior to, or in 1638. None
others than the Jesuits could have effected this; but if they did
not arrive in America before 158Q, this idea also would seem
to be impossible.
In 15Q1 the Caciques Malli and Nono lived at the Indian
villages called Malligasta and Nonogasta, governing the tribes
then occupying these places, and others scattered over the
adjoining camps. These villages still exist under the same
names: the first being situated about 3 miles to the East, and
the second some Q miles to the South of Villa Argentina or
Chilecito. It is said that these chiefs were strong warriors, and
tradition affirms that their ancestors were in continual strife
with the tribes residing further to the North, probably under
the dominion of the Caciques Tino and Guatun, and those
associated with them.
These northern tribes, inhabited the immense camps extend-
ing from Tinogasta to Fiambala, and further North in the
Province of Catamarca, and from Tinogasta southward toward
Campanas. The chiefs Tino, and Guatun, were also great war-
riors and staunch tributary princes in the interest of the Incas,
and consequently, they or their descendants, must have been
formidable opponents of the Spaniards; for, Carrillo states
that the Indians from Guandacol, in the Province of La Rioja,
as far as Humahuaca, in the Province of Jujuy, rose en mass
••
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
13
in 1627 against the Spaniards, so that if discord existed
amongst the different tribes, they could always join against a
common enemy.
The evidence of great strife is still to be seen in the immense
quantity of broken Indian pottery, found scattered over the
battle-fields, or encampments which extended over large tracts
of country.
There is also a tradition in the Province of La Rioja, — appa-
rently contradictory in itself — referring to an alliance entered
into between the Caciques Malli and Nono with a division of
Spanish troops, for the purpose of operating against the tribes
further to the North, but no record of this has as yet been found
as far as I am aware.
The Province of Tucuman was founded in 1563, and Don
Juan Ramirez de Velazco was governor of that Province from
1586 to 15Q3, and he also founded the town of La Rioja, in
the country of the Indians then called Diaguitas, in the year
1591.
The Indians inhabiting the country called Cuyo, were sub-
dued by Pedro de Castillo, who received orders from General
Don Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza to march from Chile with
100 soldiers. In 155Q he founded the town of Mendoza, and
also that of San Juan.
It is stated that the Caciques Malli and Nono, allowed the
settlement of a Spanish Colony in the large Indian village cal-
led Anguinan, Province of La Rioja, which village still exists
midway between Malligasta and Nonogasta, at a distance of 2
miles South-East of Villa Argentina, or Chilecito. The settle-
ment of this Colony is believed to have taken place towards
the end of the 16th. century; probably it was not establised
until after 15Q3, unless, indeed, the Indians in that part were
subjugated from the south by the army of Pedro Castillo. If
this were so, the settlement at Anguinan was made at an
14 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
earlier date than 1593. On the contrary, if the Indians were
dominated by the forces of Velazco, and other forces. from
the North and North-East, it may have been close upon 1593,
or not long afterwards, and as Anguinan is only 1 day's journey
to the west from La Rioja, the latter theory is most probable.
The descendants of the Indians at Famatina, Malligasta, No-
nogasta, Safiogasta, Vichigasta, and other places further South,
still possess right of camp, which seems to imply that such
rights must have been derived from original grants made by
the King of Spain to the ancient Indians, probably for military
service rendered by them in the subjugation of the tribes fur-
ther North.
It has been stated that the Colony of Anguinan was founded
in 1596, which is highly probable, agreeing, as it does, with
the other dates.
Tradition describes the Spanish chief of the colony as a man
of tyrannical disposition, and that the laws which he imposed
for the guidance of his own countrymen, and the Indians, were
so exacting that civil strife ensued, ending in his assassination.
Some of the principal actors in this plot escaped, intending to
cross the Andes to Chile; but in the gigantic mountains of Fa-
matina they were overtaken by a terrible storm which lasted a
considerable time, obliging them to shelter themselves in a
natural cave which they discovered. It appear that the earth
extracted from this cave was by some means found to contain
gold, and they took away samples of some of the earthy
mineral, and also samples of silver ore with them to Spain.
If this account is true, which is most probable, it gives us a
very early notice of the mineral district of Famatina, and pos-
sibly there is nothing older on record.
We are also informed on similar authority, that soon after
the establishment of the Colony at Anguinan, the missionary
priests came and took up their residence in the same village.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 15
Dominguez, in his "Historia Argentina", 1870, states that
San Francisco Solano, Jesuit, came to America by Panama,
in company with a large number of friars in 1589, and their
number soon augmented by new arrivals; but it is probable
that there were arrivals of Jesuits at an earlier date. Father
Charlevoix says that Saint Francis Solano, and a great many
other missionaries of his order, entered — the Province of Tucu-
man — on the side of Peru — between the years 1581 and 1584.
They distributed themselves over a large extent of country,
and at their expulsion, which took place in 1767, they are said
to have occupied 30 villages, and had domesticated 93,000 in-
dians. Considering, however, that the Jesuits occupied the
country for a considerable period, it must be believed that the
number of indians civilised vastly exceeded that given by
Dominguez.
It does not appear to be well established when the first Je-
suits came to South America, neither is it possible at present to
give the exact date of their arrival in the Province of La Rioja;
but it is stated that they inmediately followed the missionary
priests, and that they settled at Nonogasta, where they had a
large estate called "El Fuerte de San Marcos". After their ex-
pulsion, this estate was sold by the Fiscal.
The present church at Anguinan, was erected in 1774, but
two others existed prior to this date, and were constructed of
mud bricks, and must have fallen to decay by the action of
time. If we allow 85 years, as the probable duration of each
of these churches, we should have 1604 as the probable date
when the first church was erected, or 8 years after the foun-
ding of the Colony; an assumption, probably very near the
truth. Unfortunately, the old books preserved in the present
church of Anguinan are so faded, that it is impossible to deci-
pher their records.
Valuable information was also lost by the destruction of the
original church and all its contents, at Famatina, by fire.
16 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The small oratorio situated at Sarmiento, 2 miles to the
North-East of Villa Argentina, has a beantifully carved door,
and frame, made out of the algarroba wood of the country
and the lintel of the frame has the date of 21 May 1764 carved
on it.
These dates are sufficient to prove that many places conti-
guous to the silver and gold mining districts of the mountains
of Famatina, were occupied at an early period. The Jesuits
would, therefore, be likely to have possessed important infor-
mation of the mines from the Indians; and it is well known
that they devoted considerable attention to mining: we should
not, therefore, go far wrong in assuming that they possessed
nearly all the richest mines, i. e., those discovered at that time.
Two such mines were possessed and worked by the Je-
suits, somewhere in the mountains of Famatina, and these mi-
nes in particular have become the subject of much interest and
speculation for many years past, not only in the Argentine
Republic, but in Chile and other parts, and the excitement
connected with the many expeditions which have been
undertaken for the rediscovery of these mines, has been
excessive, and has led to the expenditure of much time and
money.
Copies of the old records of those treasure mines of the Je-
suits exist, but their ambiguity has rendered it impossible to
fix the precise situation of the mines. The documents referred
to, state that one of these mines contained a vein of native gold,
and the other a vein of native silver, and they have always
been known under the name of Chocoy. It is also stated that
they were comparatively close to one another, and that both
were secretly closed a little before the departure of the Jesuits.
The gold mine was said to be closed with a large flat stone
brought from a considerable distance by a number of Indian
workmen, who also placed it over the mouth of the pit leading
to the mine, and upon this stone a large cross was cut for iden-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 17
tification. From this it is clear that the Jesuits must have had
an intention of returning to the mines on a future occasion. It
is also stated that sixteen Indians could dance upon this stone
at the same time.
It is a well established fact, that the Jesuits wrote a descrip-
tion of their principal mines, indicating their situation and na-
ture, and at their expulsion it is believed that these documents
were taken to Spain. It is also stated that they were written in
duplicate, and one of them was placed in a bottle and secreted
in the inner part of the walls of the Red House inhabited by the
Jesuits, In a valley near the Cerro Negro, Province of La Rioja.
A part of this house was still standing when I visited the lo-
cality.
It cannot be determined at this distance of time, how many
mines were worked, or for what length of time, neither is it
possible to estimate how much gold and silver they extracted
and forwarded to Spain before their trouble came on; but, as
they commanded extensive Indian labour, doubtless the quan-
tity was very considerable.
Thus the expulsion of a race of useful civilizers, closed up,
perhaps for ever to the succeeding generations, sources of in-
calculable wealth.
There is no evidence that mining progressed, or even was
the object of much attention during the interval which elapsed
from the time of the expulsion of the Jesuits to the arrival of
the Aragoneses or Lay Jesuits, i. e., Juan Leita and Juan Echa-
varria. The date of their advent in South America, is said to be
about the year 1777, or ten years after the expulsion, but the
general opinion is, that it was about the year 1803. It is, how-
ever certain, that Juan Leita possessed information derived from
one of the expulsed Jesuits, and that he, in connection with
his companion, rediscovered several rich mines from which
they obtained a considerable quantity of gold and silver; but
18 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
if we take into consideration the amount of work which these
celebrated Spanish adventurers are said to have performed in
the Province of La Rioja and that of Catamarca, the date of
their arrival in South America must have been anterior to 1803.
The mines which Juan Leita rediscovered, included "Santo
Domingo", "Santa Rosa", and "Viuda", in the Cerro Negro:
"Socorro", and other in the Tigre: "San Pedro", "Bartolome"
and "Mercedes" in the Caldera Vieja. The great success ob-
tained by these indefatigable Aragoneses gave considerable
impulse to the spirit of speculation as far as obtaining mining
concessions went, and it had the effect of drawing miners from
different parts of the Argentine, Chilian, Bolivian, and Peru-
vian countries, who flocked to Famatina, spying the actions
of Leita and Echavarria, for the object of obtaining conces-
sions of mines adjoining those taken up by these discovering
Aragonesses.
Chilian history records that Juan Leita and Juan Echavarria
resided in Copiapo, and that in 1811, they travelled by the
road of the Incas in a journey undertaken to Peru, accompa-
nied by an Indian servant, but as the latter did not know the
passes of the Andes, Leita procured the services of a young
man from one of the Estancias on the road, and after a fati-
guing journey they arrived at the Argentine side of the Andes,
but a heavy storm came on, obliging the party to search for
shelter among the caves of the rocks in a narrow but deep
gorge, where they passed the night. In the morning they ob-
served that the stones which they had gathered the previous
night to surround the fire, were white, and this unusual cir-
cunstance led to an examination resulting in the discovery
that the stones consisted of silver. It was at once concluded
that these silver stones must have fallen from some high point
in the mountain into the gorge. A search was consequently
commenced and after expending considerable time, the origi-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 19
nal vein of silver mineral from which the stones had fallen, was
discovered, and for future reference, a large cross was made
upon it with a knife, and as much of the silver mineral as
possible was taken away.
In order to guard the secret of the discovery, the party
determined to travel by unfrequented roads, and in this
manner the small villages were avoided but, on approach-
ing some part of the province of Tucuman, the party was
surprised by a band of patriotic guerrillas, soldiers under the
orders of General Belgrano; but, on the approach of the sol-
diers, Juan Echevarria escaped, and Juan Leita had just suffi-
cient time to enter afield close at hand, and bury the treasure
of silver which he had carried from the discovered vein. He
was, however, immediately surrounded and taken before the
General, and charged with having received in Copiapo, secret
1 etters and orders to carry out an important commission before
the royal authorities in High Peru, tending to destroy the plans
of the Government existing under regime of 25th. May and
18th. September, 1810.
In his confession, Leita made known his discovery of the
silver vein, and of his hurried treasure in the field.— Belgrano
ordered the treasure to be disinterred and was inclined to
pardon Leita, making it a condition that the latter should
indicate the position of the silver vein, but consequent upon
his having previously gone by difficult and unusual routes,
his description was not sufficiently clear and positive to satisfy
the general, who ultimately ordered Leita to be shot, vhich
occurred in 1812.
Persons were living in Famatina in 1884, who knew
Leita, and there is sufficient evidence proving that there are
several rich mines in the Provinces of La Rioja and Catamarca,
discovered and worked by Leita, which, however, have never
yet been rediscovered. The stories frequently told of the
20 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
adventures of Leita are very interesting, but too numerous to
be recounted.
The existence of Juan Leita is referred to at page 397, volu-
me II, of a work written on the Argentine Republic by the
French Doctor of Medecine, Martin de Moussy, who wrote in
1860 about the Aragoneses, in a doubtful manner, but the
actions of Leita were of great importance as marking a parti-
cular period in the mining history of the country. The evidence
proving that Leita and Echavaria came into the Province of La
Rioja, and operated in the Famatina mountains, is to be found
in the original book of Registrations and Demarcations of the
mines of " San Pedro " of Famatina, written by the Territorial
Judge by order of " Don Baltazar Hidalgo de Cisneros, Virrey
de estas Provincias, " dated Anguinan 10th. June, 1810.
The record translated, is as follows " August 31st. 1810.
" Don Juan Echevarria, for himself, and in the name of his
" companion Don Juan Leita, natives of the kindgdom of
" Aragon, presented three documents for silver mineral, asking
" for three concessions of mines situated in the Caldera Vieja,
" expressing that two of the said veins of mineral ran in a
" North and South direction, and that the third vein had an
" East and BWest bearing, naming the mines " Bartolome ",
" Mercedes " and " San Pedro de Famatina ".
From the same document we find, that on the same day,
three other mines were asked for by independent persons
adjoining those of Echavaria and Leita. Also on the 1st. Sep-
tember, 1810, three other mines were applied for in the same
neighbourhood, one of these being taken up by Don Melchor
Zarate, from Potosi, Peru.
On the 9th. September, 1810, Don Juan Echavarria again pre-
sented himself before the Government authority asking for
the concession of a mine on behalf of himself and Juan Leita,
to be taken upon a vein of mineral to the East of the said
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 21
"Bartolome", and about four cuadras distant from it, which
vein bore North and South, and called "Veto. Azul". On the
8th. of October, 1810, Juan Echavarria presented to the Territo-
rial Judge a document correcting the direction of the veins of
mineral in the mines applied for on the 8th. of August pre-
viously noted.
No further record of the Aragoneses can at present be
traced, and as the Chilians assert that Leita and Echavarria
resided in Copiapo in April 1811, and that Leita was shot in
1812, it is probable that the records under notice refer to their
last mining acts in the Province of La Rioja, and also that the
mines taken up by them in the Caldera at the dates mentioned,
could not have been exploited to any extent or for any consi-
derable length of time.
The Register Book referred to, and from which I have
taken these notes, was commenced in 1810, and closed in 1824;
it therefore contains notices extending over a period of four-
teen years.
It is probable that mining was first commenced in the Fa-
matina mountains by Europeans about the end of the 16th.
century, or say 1596, or 15QQ, for we have evidence that further
South, in the part now called the Province of Mendoza, —
formerly part of the country called Cuyo, — mining was com-
menced 3Q years afterwards. The part called Cuyo seems to
have included tracts of land now forming the Provinces of
Mendoza, San Juan, and San Luis, embracing the Eastern
slope of the Andes westward to the frontier line now dividing
the Argentine and Chilian Republics; Huspallata, or Uspallata,
being included in the former Province.
A record is still extant informing us that in 1745, certain
commercial men of Santiago de Chile, formed the idea of
exploiting the mines of the Cordillera, and in 1755 a company
was formed with 27 shares of 100 dollars each. In 1756, this
22 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
company was launched under the title "Sociedad Minera de
Uspallata", but with what result is unknown. Probably these
were the gold mines of Cuyo before referred to as having been
discovered in 1683, but it is difficult to see what progress
could have been made with a capital of 2.700 dollars.
Another authority, Graty, informs us that the mines of "San
Lorenzo" de Uspallata were known from the 17th. century,
and also that from the time of the Spanish domination, there
existed at the same place important works of exploitation of
mines of gold and silver, and further that the mines of "Uspa-
llata" were discovered in the year 1638, and that their exploi-
tation commenced in the year 1776.
There seems to be some confusion of dates, but it is proba-
ble that, as has been previously stated, the year 1638 referred
to the period when the mines were first worked, perhaps by the
Spaniards, whereas the date 1776 must have represented a
period of later and distinct exploitation.
In the history of Paraguay, written originally by Father
Charlevoix, and reproduced in England in 176Q, it is stated
that "in 1558, Don Juan Gomez de Zurita founded on the road
from Santiago to Chile a Fortress, to which he gave the name
of Canette, and which was since, when converted into a town,
called New London, in honour of Mary Queen of England;
and of Phillip II, King of Spain. But there remains nothing
of it at present".
Thus it appears that the Indians destroyed the first town of
London, and it also seems that Don Gregorio Castaneda des-
troyed it betwen the years 1562 and 1563.
However, some more modern historians state, that the
town of London was built in 1588, but that may have referred
to the erection of a few houses surrounding the Fortress of
Zurita.
The dates are somewhat conflicting, because some authors
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 23
place the building of London between 1562 and 15Q7, and
after its destruction, its reconstruction in other parts.
Father Charlevoix also states that, "in 1631 a new Citadel
was built to awe the Indians", and that, "the town of London
and Citadel were destroyed by them immediately afterwards".
From all this it appears to be clear that London, or Londres,
must have occupied other sites. *
The general hostility of the Indians, appears to have
abated about 1639 or 1641; but there was an uprising
in Salta in the year 1670, but whether it had a general
character extending to Catamarca from Salta, or not, is
doubtful.
The great Royal Road of the Incas traversed a very moun-
tainous Country from Peru, at least as far South as Puente del
Inca, in the Province of Mendoza, the remains of which are
still visible; consequently it is clear that the Indian tribes had
access to all the mining districts en route; and it is believed,
and generally stated, that one of the Inca Princes worked a
vein of mineral for gold, in the mine now called "Restaurado-
ra", in the Cerro Capillitas, situated in the Province of Cata-
marca; but it is also reasonable to infer that the attention of
ihe Aborigines was not directed to this mine alone.
The limited time at my disposal has prevented a proper
examination, such indeed as would have been necessary for
the discovery of evidence relative to the particular mines
worked by the Incas, and afterwards by the Spaniards, in the
Cerro de Capillitas and other neighbouring districts; but con-
sidering that the ruins of furnaces and deposits of escoria,
have been discovered at the base of some of the mountains,
mining and smelting operations must have been carried on
* Since writing the above the interesting and important work of Mr. Samuel Lafone Que-
vedo has appeared on London and Catamarca, and he has clearly stated the facts, and there
is an agreement between him and Father Charleroix as to the founding of Londres in 1558.
24 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
to a considerable extent, either by the Indians, their Spanish
conquerors, or by both.
Sufficient evidence, however, exist to prove that the Jesuits
worked mines in the chain of mountains of the Aconquija,
and it is reported that there still exists at the top of this moun-
tain many roads and ruined buildings, and these circumstances
alone led to the conclusion that mining operation must have
been carried on there for a considerable period of time.
In the year 1881, a bell was found weighing 1 quintal, on the
side of the Cerro Aconquija, and it came into the possession
of one of the members of the family of General Navarro.
There are many traditions referring to ancient mining in this
Province, and to rich mines discovered by Juan Leita, the
great Aragones pioneer of South America, and others, and
also to those mines hidden either by the Indians, or in later
times by the Jesuits.
The following embraces one of the most authenticated
accounts of its kind. " Don Manuel T. Rodriguez, stated, that
"in the year 1847 he saw in the possession of Don Tomas
" Valdez, of the Rioja, a manuscript consisting of about 4
" pages which actually contained a history of the position of
" hidden mines in the Cerro de Ambato, in the Estancia of
" the Priest Cordoba. It is stated in this history that one of
" these mines was covered over with large slate stones, and
" it appears that a part of this Estancia was named Piedra
" Parada, from which Rodriguez affirmed that the history
" pointed out as being the starting point to the hidden mine in
" question. It seems, also, that on one occasion a particular
" search was made, according to the directions of the history
" refered to, and that ultimately a large stone was actually
" found which appeared to cover up a mine, but it is stated
" that this spot could never be found afterwards. "
It is a well known fact that for several years previous to, and
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 25
up to 1846 or 1847, the father of General Navarro continually
bought rich gold mineral, brought to him by the Indians of
the Cerro Ambato, and it is also stated that this gold was ob-
tained from a locality called Cuesta de Jallango.
Don Mardoqueo Molina, of Catamarca, is said to have pos-
sessed many ancient histories referring to hidden mines in the
Cerro Ambato, and so firm was his faith in the truth of these
accounts, that he was induced to despatch many persons at
different times in search of the hidden mineral treasures; but
although he expended a considerable sum of money in this
kind of adventure, nevertheless, he made no rediscovery.
It is stated that in the years 1826, an English Society made a
proposition to the government of Catamarca to purchase the
Cerros de Aconquija and Ambato, and that a certain sum of
money was advanced, but that the parties concerned were killed
on the way to Europe.
It is also reported, that at the time of Rozas, about the year
1848 or 1849, another company petitioned the government of
Tucuman for the object of working mines on the Tucuman side
of the Cerro de Aconquija. The government passed the peti-
tion to Rozas who ordered that it should not be accepted, and
also caused the expulsion of the persons who had made ap-
plication for the concession.
In the Cerro de Capillitas, at a distance of about 15 cuadras
to the South-East of the "Restauradora", exist the remains of
an ancient furnace which must have been used by the early
Spaniards, or the Indians. A similar ruin was also discovered
near the entrance to the mine "La Argentina", and a large piece
of escoria from it was secured by Uladislao Augier. Also at
Chanar Punto, one league to the south of Santa Maria, the, re-
mains of old Smelting Funaces also exist, and in 1853, 8 or 10
cajones of mineral also existed at the same site.
Near the Rio del Arenal, 5 leagues from Capillitas, in the di-
26 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
rection of Santa Maria, there are to be seen ruins of old smel-
ting establishments, and also mineral dressing floors and antique
stone implements used to crush the mineral. In the Cerro Ba-
yo, there are indications of ancient mine workings, and from
Becobal, to the south of the Punto of Balastro, a large road,
walled on each side, was discovered in 1853, but on arriving
at the top of the Cerro, it terminated. There are also remains
of ancient pits and other workings considered to belong to the
Indian period.
In making a ditch some years since, at Fuerte Quemado, to
the North of Santa Maria, nuggets of gold of large size were
discovered, and Uladislao Augier, of El Fuerte, purchased one
weighing half an ounce, but the others were larger. At this
place, also, there were indications of ancient gold washings.
It is generally reported, that the king of Spain would not
permit concessions of mines to be granted in the Cerro de
Ambato, but ordered that it should be reserved as a royal pos-
session. This indicates the high estimation in which this
Cerro was held at that time for its capabilities to produce mi-
neral wealth from the mines then in existence.
It is stated on good authority by persons of credit who re-
sided in Catamarca, that near to the top of the Nevado, which
is a very high Cerro covered with perpetual snow, and situated
to the North-East of the Fuerte de Andalgala, the Jesuits worked
a gold mine on the Tucuman side of that mountain, and that
at their expulsion, this mine was shut up by a stone wall which
they erected twenty varas or 18 yards in height. This wall
was erected in such a form as to retain the water which came
from the mountains by 3 different streams which seemed to
have united at a point in the mountain enclosed by the wall;
thus a kind of lake was formed, the water eventually running
over the wall, so that the mine has not been rediscovered up
to the present time.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 27
It is also stated, that an Englishman, offered to the Provincial
Government of Catamarca 1.500,000 dollars, to be allowed to
drain off the water in this lake, and to take possession of the
mine. He seemed to have proposed to blow down the wall with
gunpowder, but some of the authorities considered that the body
of water which would thus have suddenly been set at liberty,
would have been calculated to inundate the inhabitants living
at lowers levels; consequently, the proposition was negatived
by one vote. If this story is correct, the facts ought to be
recorded in the Archives of the Government of Catamarca; but
I have not had the necessary time at my disposal to search for
the documents.
In the mountains in the neighbourhood of Rio Blanco, Agua
Negra Muerta, and in various other parts of the Province of Sal-
ta, exist a number of abandoned mines and establishments of
reduction, also heaps of refuse from the mines and pits and also
escoria, so that we are led to conclude that the people who
inhabited these parts were numerous. La Rinconada in the Pro-
vince of Jujuy, is a gold bearing district, and there is evidence
of extensive ancient workings, both as regard veins proper,
and alluvial washing.
As in various other parts of the Republic, there exist evi-
dence of three epochs of mining; i. e., that of the Aborigines,
the Spaniards, and those of more modern times. It has been
proved in the preceding part of this history, that the Indians
must have commenced mining operations in the Provinces of
Salta, Jujuy, etc., at very remote periods, and doubtless it was
the ancient mining indications left by them which first led the
Spaniards to examine the mining districts, and to select those
regions which they considered to contain the richest gold and
silver mines. Their energies were, consequently, vigorously
exerted with the hope of obtaining great mineral wealth, and
mining operations were carried on by them to a considerable
28 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
extent, as far as their limited resources, and mining knowledge
permitted.
From all these considerations, it is reasonable to infer that
they obtained considerable quantities of gold and silver.
The town of Salta was founded in the year 1581; but there is
evidence that mining operations commenced long prior to that
period. The Indians, indeed, must have devoted their attention
to the mines long before the conquest made by the Spaniards.
How long the Spaniards were engaged in this enterprise
there is no evidence to show, but it is certain that they were
engaged in mining operations down to 1670; and possibly to
a much later period.
Nothing certain is known when the mines of Acay were first
discovered and worked; but, beyond all doubt, as previously
indicated, they were ancient Indian mines: neither is it very
clear when the Spaniards first commenced to work the mines,
but it is likely that it was immediately after the conquest.
In a document which Don Manuel Sola obtained for me
from the Archives of Salta, it is stated that in the year 1655, the
Governor and Captain General of the Province, summoned the
Town Council and some of the principal men of Salta, to con-
sider the best means which could be adopted in order to facili-
tate the erection of a water mill, and other machinery, to
reduce the mineral extracted from silver mines situated at a
point called the "Ledge" of the True Cross, a peak of the
mountains of Acay which was situated at a distance of 30 lea-
gues from the Town of "Lerma, in the valley of Salta, Provincia
deTucuman".
The Governor General and Town Council seem to have
been very anxious for the success of the undertaking referred
to, and an official order was issued that 30 Indians should be
placed at the disposition of the parties undertaking the mining
enterprise, mentioned in the old document.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 2Q
Great expectations were entertained, by the Governor of that
time, that the tax of 1/5 of the produce of the minerals due to
the king of Spain, would amount to a considerable sum.
Very little, however, is known of the progress made at the
mines of Acay, from the date referred to; but, Dean Funes
in his history of the Argentine Republic, refers to the destruc-
tion of the smelting or amalgamation establishment, and other
work connected with the mining enterprise, by the Calchaqui
Indians, during a rebellion which took place against the Spa-
niards, located in the neighbourhood of Acay, in the year
1670.
The exploration of the mines could only have been carried
on for a period of about fifteen years.
The rebellion referred to, did not, apparently, arise from ill
treatment of the Indians on the part of the Spaniards, because
each man engaged upon the works received one hard dollar
per day, and consequently, in this respect the Indians were
equal with the Spanish workmen.
The rising of the Indians against their employers, was oc-
casioned by the intrigues of a bad character, of Spanish origin,
and leader of a band of Indians who inhabited another part of
the valley of Calchaqui. How long the disturbed condition of
things lasted is unknown, but from another record, we learn
that the Spaniards were again working the mines of Acay in
the year 1692.
It is, therefore, highly probable that these mines and esta-
blishments for the reduction of the minerals, were restored
soon after the year 1670, but up to the present date, no notice
has come to hand when the Spaniards finally abandoned the
very notable and extensive works of Acay.
The mines situated in the district of Acay may be consi-
dered as divided into three groups: that is to say, 1st., those of
the Rio Blanco, 2nd., those of the village of the Chapel, and
30 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
3rd., those existing in the inmediate neighbourhood of Acay.
The mines of the Rio Blanco are situated at a very conside-
rable altitude, on a rugged part of the mountains overlook-
ing the river itself, and this group is represented as consisting
of fifteen mines, from which were extracted mineral of various
kinds. One of the veins of minerals worked by the Spaniards
in this mining district, is said to have had a thickness of 60
inches and ran from the South Western to the North Eastern
side of the mountain.
A smaller elevated plateau, marked the site selected by the
Spaniards for the mining operations, and, at one time, eight
entrances to the mines were visible; also a considerable
amount of debris extracted from the mines, and deposited on
the side of the mountain existed. A large quantity of "soap
stone" or Steatite also remained piled in heaps with the greatest
regularity.
A road, three leagues in length, was excavated by the Spani-
ards leading from the mines to the reduction establishments
for the object of facilitating the transport of the minerals ex-
tracted from the mines.
Every circumstance connected with the mines of Acay, prove
to a demonstration, that they were a source of great profit to
those engaged at that time, in mining enterprise. However,
during the lapse of time, changes have taken place in parts of
the rugged surface of the steep mountains existing in this dis-
trict, resulting in the filling up of many of the old entrances to
the mines.
Considering the many cross veins of mineral which existed,
and doubtless exist at the present time, and the very favourable
configuration of the mountains of Acay, it may be considered
strange that the Spaniards did not avail themselves of such
conditions, and drive adits so as to intersect the veins of mi-
neral at greater depth, and so facilitate and reduce the expen-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 31
ses of their mining operations; but, instead of this, they sought
the highest jDoints of the veins of mineral on the side of the
mountain, and commenced to work upon them in the direction
of their inclination regardless of system or economy. This
practice indicates, in the clearest manner, that they confined
their attention more particularly to superficial working, where
they must have found abundance of mineral without going to
any great depth, for their explorations never exceeded 40 or
50 metres in perpendicular depth. This remark applies to all
the other mines which were worked during the Spanish domi-
nation in the province of Salta.
The minerals in the Rio, or river Blanco district, consisted of
silver and copper, and assays which have been made in mo-
dern times from samples of mineral which came from those
mines, contained 15 % of copper and 41 marks, or 142 oz of
silver per ton.
In some of these mines the mineral is said to have had a
dark colour — an ambiguous mode of expressing it — whilst, in
the mine called the "Verde", it had a green colour, as its name
implies, and, consequently, we must consider it to be a green
carbonate of copper, most likely carrying a large per centage
of silver, as is frequently the case.
Samples of minerals which have been obtained from this
ancient mine, or from its spoil banks, were assayed to contain
51 marks, or 183 oz of silver per ton.
It is a curious circunstance, that in nearly all cases the body
of the mineral veins in the mines of the River Blanco, consisted
of a bluish tinged quartz, and for this reason, some of the mi-
ners were induced to consider that it contained, or ought to
contain gold: however, this idea has not yet been realised.
The mines of the River Blanco are the nearest to the ancient
reduction establishement; the next in order being those of the
old Spanish village of the Chapel, which originally existed in
32 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
that neighbourhood, but of which now only remain the ruins
of 40 houses, and the old Chapel.
The area covered by the ancient village, as far as it can be
at present traced, is considered to be about 1Q,600 square me-
tres. It is interesting to note that each house in this village
was arranged to have sufficient space on the outside, and in
connection with the living rooms, for a deposit of minerals, a
part of which space was occupied by rude machinery for car-
rying on the process of amalgamation and extraction of the
silver, the mineral was first pulverised by means of a peculiarly
formed heavy stone, the under side of which had a curved
form and the upper part being attached to a long lever for the
purpose of giving motion to the stone in the primitive Indian
style, which system in still continued in the more remote places.
The old Spanish village, previously referred to, was formed
upon the site of a beautiful stream of water, and the mines were
situated at a distance of about half a league. These mines pre-
sented evidence of extensive workings having been carried
on, and some of the entrances to the mines were, a few
years since, in a perfect state of preservation; nevertheles
it is stated that no persons have entered them of late years.
The mines nearest to Acay appear to have been worked at
the same period as those of the village of the Chapel, for
they are situate at a distance of one or two leagues from the
latter.
As has been previously indicated, the remains of the an-
cient establishment of reduction can still be traced, as also
the channel 1 */2 varas in width which was made by the
Spanish miners to conduct the stream of water used as motive
power to drive the machinery for pulverising and amalgama-
ting the mineral. The ancient machinery appears to have con-
sisted principally of a water wheel, connected with circular
stones which revolved in a similar manner to those of a modern
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 33
mortar mill, and so pulverized the mineral sufficiently fine to
be treated afterwards by the rude process then in use.
Many of these ancient vestiges now rest in the midst of cul-
tivated fields, and are surrounded by the small dwelling hou-
ses of agricultural labourers. The old machinery referred to is
doubtless the same as that mentioned by the Governor and
Captain General of Salta in the year 1655.
All the mines referred to are situated towards the South
of the Cerro Nevado de Acay; and the mining district of San
Antonio is situated to the North of the same "Cerro"; and
there also, the Spaniards worked some of the mines. The
mineral consisted of what is known as Paco silver; that is to
say, it contained that metal in a ferruginous base. Tradition
conveys to us the idea that during the latter period of the
Spanish domination, a large quantity of native^ silver was ob-
tained, and so rich was the mineral that the silver was in a state
of semi-bar.
One of the groups of mines in this district is called "Que-
brada de las Minas", and one of the principal mines worked
by the Spaniards was that of "Concordia". In the Southern part
of the mine exists an ancient adit, and it is affirmed, on the
strength of tradition, that this mine was originally known
under the name of Mina del Rey, and that the works were
directed by a Spaniard of the name of Tamis, and that 40
workmen were employed. It has also been further stated
that the workmen were Spanish miners, but others have ad-
vanced the opinion that they were Indians. The probability
is however, that they consisted of a mixture of the two.
Another group of mines in this district is called "Angosto
de San Antonio", and in this neighbourhood three rivers are
said to meet; that is to say, Arcaroque, Organello, and Chorri-
llos, and that on the banks of these rivers auriferous sand exists,
as also, the remains of a number of ancient "lavaderos" — gold
34 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
washings — as well as those of a more recent period. Near to
"Angosto de San Antonio" may be traced the ruins of an
antique establishment, and the mineral locality near to it is called
"Rangel" and the copper mineral is said to have been of such
a rich character that the name "San Antonio de los Cobres"
was given to it. In this neighbourhood exist, also, the ruins
of furnaces of fundition and houses which were constructed
in the times of the Spaniards.
At the place called "Chorillos", may also be traced the ruins
of ancient establishments, which apparently were of two cla-
ses; viz, one of fundition, and the other of amalgamation, and
in these it is believed that the minerals from the mines of "San
Geronimo Viejo" were treated. The old establishment of Pom-
peya was situated close to "Angosto de San Antonio", and
about a league from the village of the Parties. From the large
quantity of relabes, tailings, which still remain from the process
of amalgamation of the mineral, we must conclude that mining
operations were carried on to a very considerable extent in
the mine "Concordia" by the Spaniards; and extensive ruins
of ancient furnaces, grinding machines, mineral floors, houses,
etc., with that of a Church, prove that a large population must
have been concentrated in that neighbourhood.
Both the mine "Concordia", and probably others, with the
old establishment just referred to, belonged to the Spanish
Government, and Sefior Tamis, previously referred to, had the
management of the entire concern for the account of that
Government.
Jujuy appears to have been founded in the years 1562 by
Velasco; whose principal seat of Government was at Tucuman.
Some confusion exist with reference to the exact date when
the town of San Juan was founded, some authors placing it in
1561 and others in 1591; however, I am of opinion that for
many reasons it is prudent to accept the former date.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 35
It appears that at the conquest, or immediately afterwards,
the Indians of Cuyo — which included the present provinces
of Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis— pretended that they
knew of rich gold mines, and made plausible offers to indi-
cate to their conquerors the sites of the mineral riches: the
Spaniards believed these reports, and an expedition was orga-
nised and guided by the Indians until at length, after some
days travel, the Spaniards found that they had been deceived
and led into a desolate place without water or other resources,
where the Indians finally abandoned them during the night.
However, still believing that they were near to the gold
fields, the Spaniards decided to found a settlement which is
the site now occupied by the town of San Juan.
It is reasonable to suppose that immediately after they had
made diligent search in the mountains for the indicated mines,
success must have ultimately rewarded their labours; how-
ever, it is much to be regretted that the records of their first mi-
ning operations appear to be lost. It is known that Mining was
carried on by Senor Soria in the year 1716, and that these
were carried on in gold mines believed to be situated near to
the Andes.
The mining district of Gualialan appears to have been dis-
covered in 1757.
In the Cerros of Cordoba, and in the province of San Luis,
exist various Indian images of animals and other signs en-
graved upon the rocks.
This is also the case in parts of the province of La Rioja,
and that of Catamarca, proving that these situations were well
known in remote times. It is certain that this is one of the
best proofs that they had a knowledge of the mines in those
localities.
The Abbe Molina wrote a history of Chile in Italian, and
this work was translated into Spanish and published in the
36 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
year 1788. On pages 96, 97 and 98, it is stated: " The most
" famous copper mine yet discovered in the kingdom of Chile
" was that ot Payen, which, at present, is not worked because
" the Puelches who possess that district will not permit it;
" but, when excavations were first made masses of pure
" copper were extracted of fifty and one hundred quintales in
" weight.
" Histories of those times record that this copper was of
" such excellent colour, that it appeared to be a true resem-
" blance of gold, because, generally, it contained more gold
" than copper, and to extract it, it was sufficient to light a fire
" beneath the mass of stones impregnated with such pre-
" cious metal.
" In the district of Curico, another mine was more recently
" discovered similar to the above, in which Gold was found
" mixed with the copper in equal parts ".
The Abbe" Molina substantiates his former remark by a
quotation from the "Gazetero Americano" as follows:
" All the parts of the Cordillera in the directions of Santia-
" go and Concepcion, abound in mines of this metal (copper),
" and especially a site which they call Payen, where in an-
" cient times some mines were worked, and in which masses
" were found weighing fifty and one hundred quintales of
" pure copper ".
On the same page, the Abbe refers, in a second note, in vol. I,
page 145 to the travels of the French writer, M. Frezier, pu-
blished at an earlier date. The quotation is: " Entering in by
" the mountains of the Cordillera, innumerable mines of all
" classes of metals and minerals are found, especially in two
'' Sierras which are only at 12 leagues distance from the Pam-
" pas of Paraguay, and one hundred leagues from Concep-
" cion (Chile); in one of which, such singular mines of pure
" copper have been discovered that masses weighing more
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 37
" than one hundred quintals were found. To one of these
" places, which the Indians call Payen, — copper — Don
" Juan de Melendez, author of this discovery, gave the name
" San Jose.
" I saw a mass of 40 quintals from which six field pieces of
" 6 Ibs. bore were made whilst I was in Concepcion; and no-
" thing is more common than to find stones composed of parts
" of perfect and imperfect copper, which gave rise to the sa-
" ying that the earth of that place was Criadera, that is, that
" the copper had its birth, or always grew there in great abun-
" dance. This same mountain contains mines of Lapislazuli;
" and the other, close to it, which the Spaniards call Santa
" Ines, is exceedingly notable for the abundance of lode-stone,
" of which it appears to be entirely composed ".
Recently, an old Chilian miner came to Buenos Aires, and
reported that he had for several years been engaged in search-
ing in the mountains to the East of the Andes for the lost
mines recorded in the notice of the Abbe Molina, and that he
had been successful in making a rediscovery.
Some excitement was created and, in August 1887, seven
solicitudes were made for concessions of mines in the Natio-
nal Territory of Pampa Central, to the South-West of the Sierra
called Lihuelcalel, and the petitions for the Concessions came
to the National Department of Mines and Geology to be consi-
dered and granted.
Samples of the copper mineral were also presented, and
the assays made in the Laboratory of the Mining Department,
gave an average of 4 °/0 of Copper without silver or gold. It is
certain, therefore, that the copper mines so rich in gold as the
notices tell us, have not yet been rediscovered.
Some recent Maps exhibit the mountains of Payen as being
situated to the North-East of the junction of the Rios Barranca
and Grande, with the Colorado, and it must be somewhere in
38 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
these mountains where the ancient mines under consideration
were said to exist.
Considering that a pass through the Andes has recently
been rediscovered, offering every facility for transport, no great
difficulty would have arisen in the carriage of 40 quintals ot
metal to Concepcion.
It is interesting to note, that the Guarani Indians of Paraguay,
informed Don Juan de Ayolas, that by marching Westerly
overland in about 20° 40' of latitude, he would find other In-
dians who had a great deal of gold and silver. Ayolas there-
fore organised an expedition in 1537, which was intended to
last six months, and set out in search of the gold and silver
mines from which the Indians had obtained the precious metal.
Nothing more was heard of him, excepting a story told by a
friendly Indian. It is as follows: "Captain Ayolas on his arriving
among us communicated to our Cacique his design of pene-
trating further in order to discover from whence the Indians
had got the gold and silver that had been found among them.
As he was but badly escorted to undertake so long, so pain-
ful, and withal so dangerous a journey, our Cacique gave him
a reinforcement. He set out, and at last after many skirmishes
with the Indians, he found out what he had come in quest of.
At length he returned back to our Country loaded with Gold
and silver, and our Cacique gave him more. He then told us
jhat he intended to join his countrymen — theSpaniards— whom
he had left with his barks on the Paraguay. Upon this our
Cacique ordered several of his subjects to assist him in trans-
porting his treasures to the river, and I, (the Indian who told
the story) was one of the number, and at last, arrived at the
place where he had left his barks, but they were no longer to
be found. Some Paraguayan Indians deceived us, made an
attack, and killed many of the Spaniards and of my country-
men. Captain Ayolas was also killed, but I escaped".
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 39
Father Charievoix, the author previously referred to, was a
very accurate observer and writer; we must therefore conclude
that the story is not only correct, but carries with it a conside-
rable amount of interest; nevertheless, the circumstance is sur-
rounded with some difficulty.
We have it stated, that the Guaranis received Ayolas in a
very friendly manner at the place on the Paraguay where the
City of Assumption was aftewards built, and it was here, as I
take it, that he received notice of the Indians possessing the
gold and silver; but after he had advanced from the Assump-
tion, Northward up the Paraguay River to 20° 40' of latitude,
we do not hear that hs encountered any more Guaranis; we
are therefore led to conclude that it must have been the Indians
of the Assumption that indicated the parallel of latitude, refer-
red to; but it is very difficult to understand that they were able
to distinguish such a fine geographical point as above indica-
ted from which Ayolas should start in a westerly direction in
search of the mines of gold and silver.
We can hardly think this is possible, for, looking at the map
we are struck with surprise at the bold idea of a man attemp-
ting to travel such an immense distance through deserts and
warlike Indians, and to encounter a host of almost insupera-
ble difficulties in order to search for, and discover the land of
Peru. The story confirms that he and his party had collected
and brought back considerable wealth, but the place from
whence it was obtained is uncertain.
If the gold and silver referred to existed amongst the Gua-
ranis, as probably was the case, in the Southern part of Para-
guay, it is much more probable that it was obtained from
mountainous regions much less distant than Peru; it could
have, in fact, been procured from the hilly country in the tract
of land now known as Missions, or from the Western mountai-
nous regions of Brazil, which divided that country from the
40 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Guaranis, and this leads us to notice, in a cursory manner, the
historical and interesting land of the Jesuits, Missions.
Some few expeditions of scientists and others have, at
different times, been undertaken with a view or exploring this
vast tract of land; but these have been too feeble in their
character to enable them to thoroughly investigate or to
achieve any important discovery.
Every inquirer must conclude that Missions was one of the
principal centres of action of the ill treated Jesuit Fathers. These
dangerous places were occupied by them at a very early pe-
riod in the history of South America, possibly anterior to the
year 1610; but, unfortunately, there is no documentary eviden-
ce to hand by which we could assign the date when they
first commenced mining operations.
It is, however, probable that the possession of gold, silver
and copper would have been an almost immediate necessity,
and I think we should not do wrong in inferring that they com-
menced mining soon after the founding of some of their towns,
concentration of the Indians, and introduction of good Govern-
ment.
I have been unable to discover any printed records of value
referring to the number and importance of the mines worked
by the Jesuits, which is a clear proof that the matter has not
been considered of sufficient importance, or that the observers
and voyagers were more capable of directing their attention
to the agricultural prospects, the variety of trees and plants,
growing in Missions, than to the mineral resources and na-
ture of the mountains from which the Jesuits extracted mineral
wealth.
The Jesuits were very keen and reliable observers, and
did nothing without making corresponding notes and refer-
ences.
Documents of their time, and possibly, also, maps of the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 41
sites of their mineral workings doubtless exist in the Archi-
ves of their descendants and others. This seems to be confirm-
ed by a notice just received, from a person living in the Gran
Chaco, who possesses an old map made by the Jesuits of Mis-
siones, and it is said that the site of their mining operations
is marked upon it. An old priest is said to have presented
this map to the person who has it, but the latter is too egoistic
to allow any one to inspect it. Its date appears to be about
1700, or a little before.
One of the mountain chains of Missiones, runs in a North
Westerly direction almost parallel with the Rio Uruguay, as laid
down in a plan made by the Topographical Department of the
Province of Corrientes in 1882. At one point in the Southern
part of these mountains we have marked, "Ensayo de minas
de plata hecho por los Padres Jesuitas", and to the extreme
West of this mountain we have "Canteras de Piedra", or the
quarries whence the Jesuits obtained the stone for building
their edifices. It is further clear that they not only worked
for copper; but also worked mines of gold and silver as well,
and we are obliged to believe that the gold mines, they
possessed were a source of great riches.
It has been previously noticed in this chapter, that traces of
the old Indian workings in the Province of San Luis, have
been recognised in the Cerros Gigantes and Rico, the lat-
ter being generally known by the name of Carolina, in a
part of which, it is said, that galleries were made in the
XIII century, but it is not stated by whom.
If such galleries really existed, indications of them should still
exist, and it is probable that they were made by the Incas,
because, as has been previously stated, their domination by
the Spaniards did not take place till afterwards. Without fur-
ther evidence this tradition must appear doubtful, and remain
in obscurity.
42 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
It is asserted, on somewhat better authority, that in the
month of April 1640, a vein of gold in nearly a pure condition,
was discovered by means of the intersection of a gallery in
the Cerro Rico, Province of San Luis, and that, in the latter
week of that year, the galleries in the mines were filled with
debris, arising from a fall of the roof burying alive a great num-
ber of Indian and Spanish miners.
Other fantastical traditions exist referring to immense quan-
tities of gold having been discovered in some ancient mine
workings in the Cerro Gigante, but the surrounding circum-
stances lead us to form a very unfavourable conclusion.
Within the last few years, it has been discovered that in
certain documents of title of property belonging to the family
of Luis Lucero, there are indications, or records, that gold was
found in the Cerro Rico of La Carolina, by a Portuguese
monk, Geronimo (Jesuit), also in the year 1786. Sefior So-
bremonte, Governor of Cordoba, gave instructions that the
workings of the mines should not be hindered, and that they,
the proprietors, should pay to Bartolome Arias Renzel 1 °/0
of the proceeds for the remuneration for his services as a
mining expert.
In the year 17Q2, the Viceroy communicated to the Govern-
ing authority of San Luis, that the boxes of mineral which
had been sent to Spain had been assayed by the professor of
Chemistry, Don Pedro Gutierrez Bueno, and found it to contain
native gold with 38 decimals of silver to every 100 parts.
The other sample was assayed and classed as an auriferous
Sulphide containing 7 % of Silver. The king of Spain further
commanded that instructions should be given to the Intenden-
te of the Province, the Marquis Sobremonte, that he should
direct particular attention to the encouragement of the exploi-
tation of these mines by private individuals.
Special instructions were also given by the King to the effect
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 43
that " if there should be any benefit from the metals extracted
" by the machines, which it is supposed are now being used,
" the establishment of a Bank or deposit should be considered,
" in which your Excellency should deposit the gold obtained
" by founding, and also the 3 m/c. Royal dues to be paid in
" the same metal on a corresponding principle to the mint of
'' Chile or that of Potosi, according as it may be most conve-
" nient; the dues or State rights to be despatched to the second
" named place for the purpose of coinage on account of His
" Majesty, or being despatched by your Excellency to Spain
" converted into bars. The above are the Royal instructions
" which I— the Viceroy — convey to you for your information. "
In the year 17Q3, the Marquis Sobremonte visited the gold
mines of the province of San Luis, which were then called
"El Dorado", and the Royal standard was raised and floated
over the mountain Tomolasta, in the Cerros de la Carolina.
"The blastings which are said to have been carried on in the
Pique Hondo (65 metres in depth) in the mines Carmen, San
Fermin, Labpres Blancos and Southern adit, and that of the
Cerro Rico, are said to have been commenced from that date."
It is stated that one of the principal mines was "Lafinurs";
but consequent upon the war of independence, and the en-
trance of much water into the adits, the workings in the mine
were abandoned.
However, it is stated that in the year 1840 and following
years, the adit of the Cerro Pifiero was reopened; but the
vein of mineral was not reached. It further appears that Se-
nor Olmos opened the pit over the adit under the Cerro Rico,
and it is believed that a large quantity of gold was obtained
from the mine.
The ruins of many houses still exist, and also a road
leading from Moyano, passing by many well known places
now found upon the map of the Province to La Carolina; all
44 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of which seem to indicate that mining must have been carried
on to a considerable extent in former times; but when reference
is made to the large quantity of gold extracted from the mines,
we have to consider the difference of ideas which existed in
those ancient times and the present; for what they may have
considered to have been great quantities may now be taken
in a comparative sense, and estimated at a less value.
In about 1901, the ruins of a very extensive Establishment
for the reduction of copper mineral to regulus was discovered
in a place called Arenal, situated at a distance of about 2
leagues in a North Western direction from the copper mines
existing in the cerro of Capillitas, in the province of Catamarca.
Mr. Letrange examined these ruins and found a large
piece of regulus which had been produced in this old Esta-
blishment and accidentally left behind. This large sample of
regulus was presented to the writer and contains at least
from 65 to 70 % of copper, with an undetermined quantity
of gold and silver.
Doubtless the copper ores reduced in this ancient establish-
ment were obtained from the mines in the cerro de Capilli-
tas, and, probably from mines situated in other surrounding
mountains. This not only seems to be certain from the ancient
workings in the copper mines, but also from the name given
to this mining district.
The word, Capillitas, establishes the fact that the Jesuits had
a small Church at the old mines, or at the establishment of
f undition, and hence this region was afterwards known as the
Cerro de Capillitas.
Unless an extended search were to be made in the Spanish
archives and Jesuit colleges, it would be impossible to give
the date when the old establishment of fundition was first
installed, or how long it continued; but it is highly probable
that the date would fall somewhere between 1720 and 1760.
CHAPTER II
Historical Sketch of Modern Mining, etc.
We have already mentioned that the Anageneses, created
great interest in the mining industry in the far famed provin-
ces of La Rioja and Catamarca, in the former of which they
were pioneers and initiators of the second epoch of mining
in the Argentine Republic. To say nothing of the gold mines
distributed over the various localities, the silver mineral veins
were so numerous, rich and easy of access at the surface, that
many small companies were formed for their exploitation,
thus we find from some records, in the possession of the
writer, that the number of persons who were occupied directly
and indirectly in the mining districts of Famatina amounted
to 214 in the year 1817. However, only a year afterwards the
number of miners had decreased to 173. Between the years
1818 and 1822, the number of miners had increased to 313;
but in 1825, had again diminished to 140. In the year 1837,
they reached to 304; but 10 years afterwards, or in 1847, the
number of miners had diminished to 268, and in 1854 no
more than 59 miners were employed. These differences
were caused by the troubled times or civil wars which fre-
46 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
quently raged in the interior of the country and from lawless
bands of robbers who committed every class of depredation.
Due to this cause, it is to be deplored that the archives in the
provincial towns were destroyed and, consequently, the register
of mines referring to the mineral districts in the Famatina moun-
tains from 1825 to 1830 could not be found in the offices of
the government when the writer made a search.
There were 12 mines in exploitation in 1816, and 147 grant-
ed; but not worked, and, in 1847, there were 11 silver mines in
exploitation, and 40 mines of the same class closed in the mi-
neral district of Cerro Negro. In the Caldera district, Q mines
of silver had been closed, 3 of which were formerly registered
as belonging to the Aragoneses i. e., of Juan Laita and Juan
Echavarria.
Mines of gold and silver also existed in the district called
Rosario del Oro; but, at the period referred to, 26 of these
had been closed. Also, in the other mineral districts all
the mines were closed, i. e., La Mejicana, 5 mines of gold;
Piedras Grandes 3 mines ot gold; Espina, 1 mine of silver;
Ampallao, 2 mines of silver; Concepcion, 1 mine of silver;
Bayos, 4 mines of silver; Casa Colorada, 2 mines of silver;
Tigre, 7 mines of silver; Aranzazu, 2 mines of silver; Mineral
de Maria, 1 mine of gold; Mineral del Portezuelo de Santa
Rosa, 2 mines of gold, and in the district of Rio Blanco, 7
mines; but it is not stated what class of mineral existed there.
From the year 1830 to 1871, the number of mines registered,
and matters referring thereto, amounted to 679; and from 1871
to 1878 the number had increased to Q75. In 1884, the num-
ber decreased to 298, increasing again in 1885, to 316, and in
1888, to 3 18.
The company "Anglo-Aleman", appears to have been the first
formal European enterprise to work the silver mines of the
Cerro Negro in the Famatina mountains; but the works which
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 47
had been commenced were interrupted by the civil wars of
Quiroga, and, by his orders, the agent of the company was
murdered somewhere between 1827-8.
Another company was attempted to be formed in Chile, in
1847, for working the silver mines of the Cerro Negro; but the
undertaking failed.
It appears that the ever to be remembered Rozas, prohibited
foreigners from working mines, and for that reason, the bro-
thers Herdmann abandoned copper and nickel mines which
they discovered somewhere about 1848-49 at a place called
Jague, near to Vinchina, in the province of La Rioja. After-
wards, these mines passed into the hands of Mr. Ramon Eli-
zalde who worked them in 1851; but they were again pos-
sessed by the Herdmanns in 1852-53. It appears that the
mineral assayed 50 % of nickel.
The German brothers Hermann, also exploited other mines
containing copper, gold and silver in the same locality,
and they erected a small establishment of fundition for the
reduction of the minerals which continued in work until 1855,
and it has been stated that the works were closed because
sufficient profit was not obtained.
About 1868-69, Mr. E. Huniken, a German, from Chile,
constructed furnaces of fundition in a place called Escaleras,
situated near to the village of Famatina, and he proposed to
found mineral obtained from the mines situated in the Meji-
cana district; but, in 1870, this establishment was closed, pas-
sing into the hands of Mr. Galvan in 1871, and after he had
expended a considerable sum, the works were finally aban-
doned. The same party erected similar works of fundition
in the Valley situated a little to the North of Villa Argentina,
or Chilecito; but a short time afterwards these were also aban-
doned.
In about 1863-64, Mr. Massori, in connection with a
48 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Mr. Plaza, erected a small establishment of fundition at Safia-
gasta, situated at about 12 miles soutward of Villa Argentina
with an object of reducing galena, and after experimenting for
sometime the works were finally closed.
Mr. Ricardo Valdez, noted for creating numerous law-suits,
commenced his mining adventures in the province of La Rioja
in about 1860, and he obtained various associates until, some-
where about 1877. Formerly, he had obtained a large sum from
Mr. William Treloar, who could not procure its return, con-
sequenty after a long law-suit the copper, gold, and silver
mine "Upulungos", together with establishment of fundition
situated at Tilimuque were transferred to Mr. Treloar.
Previous to this transferrence one of the associates of
Mr. Valdez i. e., Colonel Campos, worked the mine "Upulun-
gos" reducing the copper mineral at Tilimuque, Colonel Lu-
cas Cordoba, the present governor of the province of Tucu-
man, was the general agent of Colonel Campos in about
1884-85; the management in this case was good and conside-
rable benefit was obtained, but for the reasons already assigned,
the mines and establishment of reduction passed into the hands
of Mr. William Treloar, who has continued to exploit the mines
and reduce the copper ores at the establishment referred to
until quite recently.
Mr. Treloar, is one of the principal pioneers in reviving min-
ing operations in the districts under consideration.
Another energetic firm in developing the silver mines in the
Cerro Negro, especially in the Caldera districts and reducing
the mineral to a metallic condition, was headed by the late
Mr. Almonacid. He possessed a small establishment for found-
ing the silver ores at San Miguel, situate close to the town of
Villa Argentina. The whole of these works were continued
with good results for several years, and Mr. Almonacid had
as associates Messrs. Parchappe, Galup, Lanus & Son;
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
but, in about 1882-83, the silver mines had been worked to a
considerable extent requiring extra capital to conduct other
and deeper exploring galleries; but at that period capital was
not easily obtained in Buenos Aires, consequently the result
was that the mines were not so productive, and this finally led
to a collapse of the company.
An additional cause for the closing of the mines andfundition
was an exagerated and too costly system of management.
Immediately afterwards, the mines of silver alluded to with
the establishment of fundition were tranferred to Messrs. Lanus
and Company. This new firm employed Mr. John Pemberthy,
a well known English mining engineer in South America, to
manage the silver mines in the Cerro Negro and Caldera dis-
tricts, and he drove a deep gallery to intersect the mineral
veins and was fortunate in discovering a very large and
rich native silver deposit; however, sometime afterwards
Mr. Pemberthy resigned his position, and the silver mines
and establishment soon relapsed into an unprofitable con-
dition.
In about 1880, a French Engineer, Mr. Fonert, examined the
silver mines in the Cerro Negro district of the Famatina range
of mountains, and selected a series of mines upon which he
raised capital in France. The nominal capital of the company
was 4,000,000 of francs, or £ 160,000, but only £ 40,000 were
called up. This company commenced upon an extensive
scale devoting more time and money to the erection of an
Establishment of Fundition and comfortable surroundings,
than to the construction of roads and a thorough and system-
atic development of the mines. The works were continued for
some years, but it does not appear that the French company
received sufficient benefit to enable them to continue the sys-
tem which had been initiated.
Since that period, the establishment of reduction, which was
50 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
situated at Nonogasta, has been kept going at intervals, the
mineral reduced being purchased from various miners.
After the late Mr. Fonert separated himself from the French
Company, previously referred to, he erected a small establish-
ment of reduction at the Corrales, near to the town of Famatina,
with the object of reducing the copper minerals which could
be obtained from the Mejicana district.
In about 1881, a Company was formed in Buenos Aires
called "Esperanza", with a capital of 60,000 dollars, gold, with
the object of working the copper, silver and gold mine called
"Mellizas", in the Mejicana district; but considering that the
administration and technical direction was entrusted to a man
without any mining experience, the whole of the capital was
expended without yielding beneficial results.
Mr. William Treloar, the gentleman previously referred to,
formerly obtained good results from the exploitation of his rich
silver mines situated in the Cerro Negro. His gold, copper
and silver mines, situated in the district called "El Oro" have a
good history, having been exploited by ancient miners, proba-
bly the Indians, and the Jesuits. When examining these mines,
in about 1883-4, the writer found a curiously formed ancient
hammer, which he presented to the School of Mines in Paris.
Doctor Cullen, the well known and long established advo-
cate in Buenos Aires, was associated with Mr. Treloar, in these
gold mines, and towards the end of 1886 their agents formed
a company in London, with a capital of £200,000; but,
before determining the nature of the mineral to be treated
the company purchased stamping machinery, expending
£ 30,000 thereon.
Unfortunately, as is generally the case, the London directors
sent out a manager who knew nothing of the language of the
country, and consequently, had great difficulty in treating with
and managing the miners. No formal workings of consequen-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 51
ce seem to have been carried on at the mines and for this
reason the machinery was never installed, and after two years
expenditure of the capital in doing nothing that brought profit
the company determined to wind up their affairs in the El Oro
district. Messrs. Cullen andTreloar, were not satisfied with the
management and decision of the company and very honorably
offered some gold mines belonging to Doctor Cullen, situated
in the province of San Juan, to which we shall have occasion
to refer later on.
It gives the writer the greatest pleasure to note that the fa-
mily of the Davilas has, from time to time, done much to forward
the mining industry in the province of La Rioja, devoting both
time and fortune to this object, and their advice and assistance
was always accepted with the greatest confidence. The in-
fluence thus initiated many years since has been continued by
the present representative of the family, i. e., Doctor Adolfo
Davila, one of the Hon. members of Congress and chief editor
of "La Prensa" of Buenos Aires.
Other names worthy of recording and connected with min-
ing operations in past times were those of Mr. Samuel Garcia,
father of the present Senator of the Nation, Mr. Antonio Gar-
cia, Messrs. Gomez, Achaval, Lozano, and Carlos Angel.
In reference to the mines situated in the Cerro de Capillitas,
province of Catamarca, it is generally acknowledged that
Messrs. Malbran and Espeche, were the first, in modern times^
to restore and direct particular attention to this important mi-
neral district in about 1851-53. It also appears that the former
owners of the celebrated copper mine "Restauradora", were
Messrs. Thomas Porto, Cristino Figaroa, Cristobal de la Ma-
drid, Rios and others. The copper ore extracted from this
mine^was smelted in a small establishment installed in a place
called Vis-Vis.
52 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The late Mr. Carranza, in association with Mr. Marcelino Au-
gier and Mr. Samuel Lafone, late father of the present Mr. Sa-
muel Lafone Quevedo, exploited the copper mines of "Santa
Clara" and "La Argentina", about 1853, and they reduced the
mineral in a small establishment which they installed at a place
called Ampayango, situated at a distance of about 6 miles from
Punta de Balastro. This establishment consisted of two small
furnaces of reduction.
During the period indicated, it is stated that the late Mr. Sa-
muel Lafone offered 4,500 ounces of gold to Marcelino Au-
gierforthe copper mine "Santa Clara"; but the latter refused
to sell his property.
After Mr. Carranza retired from the company previously re-
ferred to, the late Mr. Lafone, purchased the copper mine
"Restauradora" for, as it is said, the sum of £ 20,000.
Immediately after the purchase, he installed an establishment
of reduction, near to Santa Maria, situated at a considerable
distance from the mines, but consequent upon the want of a
practical knowledge of metallurgy and sufficient supply of
wood of a size large enough to produce the necessary heat
for the reduction operations, no beneficial result was obtained
and the site was abandoned.
It is believed that the present Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo
commenced to take an active part in the administration of his
father's mine previous to or about 1861: he was, and has
remained a man of great energy and enterprise, consequently
he obtained proper mining Engineering advice which resulted
in the installation of a new establishment at a place called
Pilciaco, situated at a distance of about 16 miles South of the
town of El Fuerte de Andalgala.
When the writer examined the mines referred to, in 1884, he
had the opportunity of inspecting the old accounts which
recorded that a large quantity of copper ore had been ex-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 53
tracted and sent to the establishment at Santa Maria, and to
that at Pilciao.
The mines referred to and the establishment of fundition have
been continued by Messrs. Lafone & Co. until quite recently.
No site could have been better selected, at that time than that
of Pilciaco, for an establishment of fundition, for the reason that
there exists an immense forest of algarroba trees of large size
in the vicinity. This in the best wood in the Republic for the
purpose of reducing minerals.
Another group of mines existing in the Cerros of Capillitas,
were exploited by the late Mr. Adolfo Carranza, and he redu-
ced the mineral in his establishment of fundition called "Cons-
tancia" and situated at Pipanaco. Copper mineral seems to
have been founded in that establishment from 1856 to 1886.
Mr. Augier, previously referred to, exploited his mines "Santa
Clara", "Grande" and "La Argentina" to a considerable extent
disposing of the mineral to the establishment previously refer-
red to.
Various other mines were exploited for a short period of
time in this part of the province of Catamarca, but it is not
known what benefit was derived.
§
In the province of San Juan mining has been carried on for
a considerable period of time, but checked at, intervals, by va-
rious circumstances. The mines in the Tontal district received
considerable attention in 1860, but practical mining opera-
tions did not commence there earlier than 1862. At the end of
1865, an Establishment of reduction was installed at Hilario,
being a very favourable situation for metallurgical operations
on account of the great abundance of wood and water existing
in the neighbourhood. It is reported that the capital raised for
carrying on mining and metallurgical operations at that place
54 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
amounted to £ 64,000, and that for a period of 10 months, du-
ring which the reduction operations lasted, 1,400 tons of mi-
neral were treated yielding Q4,560 ounces of silver, the value
of which was estimated at £ 23,000. It has also been reported,
that apart from the quantity of silver noted, a great deal of
silver was taken to Chile and other Establishments in the pro-
vince of San Juan.
It is also stated on good authority, that the Establishment of
reduction and mines referred to, were closed in 1866. This
seems to have been occasioned by some internal revolution
which rendered transport between the mines and the establish-
ment of reduction impossible. The civil wars which arose from
time to time completely paralized the mining industry in this
province, and its evil effects were also felt in no small degree
in the surrounding provinces.
It also appears that a small establishment of Amalgama-
tion for the extraction of silver was installed in a place
called Sovocayense, in 186Q, costing the modest sum of £ 2,500.
No more than 8 tons of mineral per month were treated pro-
ducing about 2,800 ounces of silver per annum, and estimated
to be worth £ 850.
There were, also, furnaces of reduction constructed on the
river Castano prior to 1868, and during that year, only 130
tons of mineral were treated producing 12,530 ounces of sil-
ver which were valued at £ 3,000. The whole of these works
only cost £ 3,900.
The methods employed for the extraction of the metal were
very antiquated, consequently a good deal of the silver was
lost. It would appear that the original capital was too small to
enable the works to be carried on, and some inundations which
occurred damaged the work and hastened the undertakings
to a close.
It is believed that the mineral district of Castano was, as it is
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 55
termed, rediscoveded in 1863, and that in 1869 other attempts
to install establishments of reduction were made upon a
small scale: but in this case, also, the capital was too small
to bring about any remunerative result, consequently after a
few experiments mining and reduction operations ceased.
The mines which exist in the mining district of Gualilan, are
believed to have been exploited by the Spaniards after they
conquered the Indian tribes.
In 1750, a mule driver, namsd Juan Suarez, rediscovered an
ancient rich gold mine in the Gualilan district, also Vicente
Oros endeavoured to take the water out of an ancient gold
mine in the same district, and on one accasion had the good for-
tune to do so and actually extracted 12 tons of mineral which
yielded at the rate of 5 ounces of gold per ton; but conside-
ring that he employed very rude modes for taking out the wa-
ter, he found that it was impossible to keep the mine dry and
ultimately, was obliged to abandon it. Apparently these im-
portant rich gold mines have never been rediscovered since
the time of Oros and Suarez.
It is also reported on good authority, that another ancient
mine situated in this district, called "Misnala", was opened on
one occasion and a limited quantity of mineral extracted from
it which yielded Q6 ounces of gold and 4,900 ounces of silver.
A group of 16 or more mines formed the Gualilan mining
district proper, and in 1867, an English Company was formed
by the influence, it is said, of Mr. T. Ignacio Rickard. The ca-
pital appears to have amounted to £ 75,000. Old fashioned
Cornish machinery was installed at the mines for surface ope-
rations, and as the mines were opened, pumps were placed
in them to drain the water. It would appear that the modes of
amalgamation were very antiquated as well as imperfect, con-
sequently the whole of the metal contained was not extracted.
The management was also inferior and great earlessness
56 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
was observed, and this induced frequent robberies of the
amalgam. However, the mines were carried on for a conside-
rable time until the supply of wood within a reasonable distance
was exhausted. This would seem to be one of the principal
reasons why the mines were abandoned.
Very recently these mines attracted considerable attention,
and a syndicate was formed in Buenos Aires to develope the
Gualilan gold and silver mines, and after obtaining various mi-
ning experts from the states and from England to examine
the properties and indicate where explorations should be
made, the mines were given up before any company had been
formed in Europe to exploit them in a proper and formal
manner. It would appear that the syndicate carried on their
operations in the neighbourhood of the old workings which
had been made by the English Company in 1867. It is unfortu-
nate that no mining operations were carried on in the Northern
portions of the group, where the old rich gold mines are
believed to exist.
The mineral district of Salado, received considerable aten-
tion in 1844, and the brothers Fonseca, installed an establish-
ment of fundition which consisted of two high furnaces, as
they were termed, and it is reported that in a single month they
produced 1,330 ounces of gold.
The total cost of the installation was £ 1,000, but for some
reason or another their operations seem to have decreased, for,
in the year 186Q, they employed no more than 14 workmen.
An establishment of reduction, called "La Argentina", was
installed in the Huerta mining district prior to 1860-5; but in
that year the reports demonstrated that during the first six
months of 1868, 71 tons of mineral were reduced, yielding
21,157 ozs. of silver, and from that date until 1869, the com-
pany reduced 1,011 tons of mineral yielding 226,700 ozs. of
silver, which were estimated at that period to be worth £ 32,275.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 57
The establishment consisted of five small high furnaces, a re-
fining and two reverbatory furnaces. The mineral treated ap-
pears to have contained copper, zinc, antimony and arsenic.
There is no precise evidence to show why the ehstablishment
and mines were abandoned, neither is it known how much
capital was expended upon the works; and it is highly probable
that the total capital of the company was, as usual, too small,
and that at that period it was difficult to augment it.
The other elements contained in the galena treated may
also have offerred difficulties, which together with the high cost
of transport may have assisted in the closure of the works.
Various other companies have been formed from time to
time to work the galena and gold mines which exist in this
province but, at present, space cannot be devoted to a gene-
ral history of these.
When treating of La Rioja, a company was mentioned as
having undertook to exploit the mines of EL Oro there, and
that Messrs. Cullen and Treloar were associated with the com-
pany, they being owners of the mines in question. After failure,
owing to bad management, Doctor Cullen, very generously
offered the gold mines which he possessed in the province of
San Juan to the Company.
The London Company accepted the offer and sent their
manager from La Rioja to San Juan to exploit the mines and he
erected part of the machinery which had been previously
purchased for EL Oro mines. A considerable sum was ex-
pended in driving adits to intersect the gold-bearing veins, and
the installation of machinery seems to have been made without
a previous study of the effect due to the annual inundations,
the result being that the whole of the machinery was carried
away and lost in the river San Juan, as well as all the mineral
which had been extracted and not treated. The company
then ceased their mining operations in this locality.
58 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Since that period, a French Engineer, M. Sabatier, has obtain-
ed possession of the same gold mines and has treated the
mineral by the cyanide process with considerable benefit.
Much attention has been given to certain deposits of Lignite,
by some called coal, which exists in this province. As far
back as the time of M. Richard, those deposits of carbon were
noticed, and even before his time they were known to exist.
In 1871, the late Mr. D. F. S. Klappenbach, a worthy and
honourable mining pioneer, directed considerable attention to
these deposits of carbon which were then believed to exist
over large areas. The lignite he extracted assayed 46 °/0 of fixed
carbon, 10% of ash with 43'QO °/0 of volatile materials. The
beds of lignite were thin ranging from 10 to 35 centimetres in
thickness, and the lignite obtained from some of these was
much more inferior than the assay shown above. It is scarcely
necessary to note that Mr. Klappenbach realised no profit from
his undertaking.
The experience thus gained of the Lignite beds of the pro-
vince of San Juan, was not sufficient to prevent others from
making themselves believe that good coal deposits existed in
the locality indicated: consequently, in 18Q7, a French adven-
turer, Juan Cruvellier, commenced mining operations at a place
which he called Las Himanas. He sunk too small pits, 2 \
metres in diameter each, and at a distance of 70 metres from
each other, and it is believed that a depth of 55 metres was
reached. The thickness of the lignite beds was from 10 to
20 centimetres, and from an analisis which was made in the
assay office of the National Government Mint, the lignite gave
43-15 % of fixed carbon, 30'80 "/0 of volatile matter and 21 -55 °/0
of ash. The writer took a large sample of this lignite to the
Exhibition of Chicago in 18Q3; but it was considered to be too
inferior to receive any attention from the jury of awards. After
all these circumstances were made public, it is surprising as
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 5Q
well as extreemely absurd that sensible people can still be
found to spend money and time upon studies in this locality.
As was the case in various other provinces, the ancient gold
mines in the province of San Luis were worked by the Indians,
and there is evidence to prove that afterwards the gold mines
were exploited by the Spaniards under the orders of the king
of Spain, as has been previously noted.
The old copper mine, "Biroca" or "Viraorca", was discov-
ered by Joseph Pinto and Jose Cortes Funes, in 1860, but
they only exploited the mines for two months. The mineral
which was extracted from this mine assayed from 27 to 40 °/0
of copper, and also yielded 4 ozs. of silver per cwt. At this
period the mineral had to be transported by means of bullock-
carts to Buenos Aires.
In 1865, the same mines were possessed by a Mr. David
Livingstone, who was associated with Joseph Martin Ortiz as
capitalist. Livingstone possessed an estate not far distant}
and it is believed that at the time he exploited the mines, his
company possessed a capital of 80,000 dollars. The pits for
the extraction of the mineral were made upon the inclination
of the veins and did not exceed 20 metres in depth, and from
the bottom of these inclined pits, declining gallieries were made
to a further depth of 50 metres. Operations were carried on
upon a small scale, for there were no more than 3Q workmen
employed. The mineral extracted from the mine was taken to
a place called Las Tapias, known at the present time by the
name of Florida, which seems to be a small hamlet situated at
a distance of about 2^ leagues from the mine "Viraorca",
and 5i leagues in a North Easterly direction from the town
of San Luis.
The mineral was reduced to copper bars in a small furnace
60 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of fundition at Florida. The copper bars contained gold and
silver. It appears that on one occasion, the copper mine was
inundated, and there not being sufficient means at hand to keep
it dry, it was abandoned, and the associates of Mr. Livingstone,
seemed to have commenced their work with spirit; but the diffi-
culties which finally arose cost the loss of 60,000 dollars.
The mineral from the mine "Viraorca", was said to be diffi-
cult to smelt, due, probably to an imperfect flux or some
other metallurgical defect.
Mr. Livingstone was an enterprising man, and rather than
abandone mining altogether, he installed a new furnace of
fundition constructed upon an improved principle, and com-
menced to reduce the mineral which he obtained from mines
which seem to have been under exploitation in the Carolina
district.
The class of minerals which he attempted to reduce consis-
ted of iron pyrites containing gold, and also copper ores
which he bought from another mine called "Santa Barbara",
as also, from other mines. He expended £ 5,000 in his last
experiments; but he did not realise sufficient benefit to induce
him to continue the works.
The gold mines of La Carolina, were worked at distinct
times and by different persons, and as was the general custom
at that period, the undertaking was abandoned for the want
of sufficient capital, cheaper transport, and better mining and
metallurgical knowledge.
In more modern times these mines have again been caused to
attract considerable attention, for, in the year 1893, a company
was formed in London, with a capital of £ 50,000, for the ex-
ploitation of these gold mines. The capital of the company was
afterwards augmented to £ 100,000.
In the chapter more particularly devoted to the mines and
mining in this province, other data will be given and also, a re-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 61
ference to some of the companies which have been engaged
in developing the mining industry there.
There does not exist in the possession of the writer much
reliable information upon ancient and modern mining opera-
tions in the province of Tucuman.
The provinces of Salta andjujuy have a better history, and
in the chapters reserved for a description of the mines and mi-
ning in those northern regions, we shall endeavour to give
such data as may represent them fairly.
§
From all the circumstances brought under our notice, we we-
re under the belief that the second period of modern mining
in the province of Cordoba may be fixed in the years 1820
or 1823; but as have occurred in the more western provinces
the civil wars which raged about the years 182Q, 1830 and
1840, interrupted and injured the mining industry of this pro-
vince to an alarming extent.
History indicates that a miner from the province of La Rioja
discovered the first silver (galena) mine, near to a place then
called Pocho, but it has been ascertained that other similar mi-
nes had been known to exist long anterior to this period.
So few were the expert miners obtainable to work the mines
of this province, it was found necessary to introduce mi-
ners and others experienced in the art of amalgamation to
work in the mines and extract the silver from its ores.
It would appear that an establishment for amalgamation was
first installed at a place called San Rogue, situated at a distance
of about 24 miles in a western direction from the city of
Cordoba. Although the mountains of this province are not ve-
ry high, still the occassional heavy rains swell the rivers cau-
62 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
sing inundations, and on one occasion the greater part of the
machinery and a large quantity of mineral were carried away
at that place by the floods. For these, and other reasons, the
establishment referred to was abandoned, and another for the
reduction of the mineral was afterwards installed at a place call-
ed San Francisco, situated at some considerable distance from
San Roque.
Although the Chilian and Bolivian miners who had been em-
ployed in the mines of this province did not remain for any
length of time, still, by their means, other important veins of
mineral were discovered, and this circumstance was of impor-
tance at that period as proving the existence of extensive mi-
neral districts in the province. The methods adopted for the
extraction of the silver from its ores were exceedingly rude
and primitive, having been introduced from Bolivia and Chili,
still considerable benefit was, it is said, obtained.
Unfortunately, the miners of that period suffered great loss in
their mining undertakings due to the civil war movements of
that notorious Quiroga, who, with the gauchos \rorn Los Llanos
of La Rioja and other places overran the country. That lawless
man caused the complete destruction of the amalgamating
establishment which had been in operation at San Francisco
and, consequently, mining operations were retarded for a con-
siderable period.
When peace was restored, a third establishment for the
treatment of the minerals was installed at a place called
Faninga, to the west of the mountains; but the mining and
metallurgical operations were directed by inexperienced per-
sons, and, for this reason, a large part of the silver was lost.
It does not appear that much profit was derived.
In the year 1834, some foreign miners erected a small esta-
blishment for the reduction of mineral, at a place called Ojo
de Agua, but they did not appear to have understood the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 63
nature of the mineral to be treated, which together with their
inferior processes resulted in the loss of half the silver con-
tained in the ores, consequently, the mines and establishment
were abandoned.
Another establishment also existed in 1834, at a place called
Cacapiclie, the owners of which had not previously been in
any way connected with mining or metallurgy, and although
the methods adopted were antiquated, still the company,
obtained better results than had been secured up to that time.
Another establishment was installed in 1837, and at this
period, the methods employed to extract the metal were su-
perior consequently better results were obtained than by
the older processes employed. However, grave changes
supervened, which together with the death of one of the
proprietors, and other unfortunate circumstances led to a
termination of the mining and metallurgical operations, which
had been undertaken and which were considered to offer
advantages and success.
In the year 1842, furnaces of fundition were also erected
at Faninga; but the results which were obtained were not
superior to these which had been realised at Ojo de Agua.
This company exploited the mines upon a limited scale,
and with small capital the benefit derived must therefore, have
been comparatively small.
Other furnaces of fundition were constructed in 1854,
which, together with the others which existed were consi-
dered to be more than sufficient to reduce all the mineral
which was then extracted from the mines, and for this reason
it was believed that a competing company was unnecessary,
and had the effect of destroying the efforts of the smaller
companies which had formerly entered upon similar opera-
tions with limited capital. It was believed that the company
of Ojo de Agua carried on their operations with a capital of
about 6000 dollars, and others with much less.
64 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
It is recorded that from 1837 to 1867, about 300 tons of
mineral per year were treated in the establishment at Tanin-
ga or Faninga, yielding 216,000 ozs. of silver, which were
reduced from about Q,000 tons of mineral which had been
extracted from the mines during a considerable period of time.
The value was estimated at £ 50,000 or at the rate of £ 1,666
per annum; but as previously noticed nearly the 1/4 part of the
silver was lost, due to a bad system of reduction and adminis-
tration. Also, the cost of labour and material were excessive,
so that the benefit obtained could not have been large.
In the year 1869, there existed only three establishments
for the reduction of mineral in this province i. e., Trapiche de
Mercedes (Taninga), Ojo de Agua and Santa Barbara,
The first as previously noted was situated at some 75 miles
west of the city of Cordoba, or in the valley of Salsacasto and
consisted of two high furnaces, as they were then called, two
furnaces for calcination and one furnace to refine the silver.
From the older processes, which at first had been carried
on their remained a large quantity of scoria or slag calculated
at 4,000 tons, and when again treated yielded 20 °/0 of lead
and 15 oz. of silver per ton, proving the imperfect methods of
extraction practiced in former periods.
In the year 1868, about 220 tons of mineral were reduced,
without including the scoria, and there were obtained from
this quantity about 22,000 ozs. of silver, estimated at that time
to have a value of £ 5,600.
The reduction works situated at about 21 miles north west
from Taninga or Faninga, consisted only of a single furnace
of reduction, one for calcination and a third for refining the
silver. The motive power which existed at the works consisted
of a water wheel 25 feet in diameter. Higher up on the same
current of water another water-wheel 20 ft. in diameter was
installed, and this gave motion to a small stamping mill, with
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 65
three heads of stamps for pulverizing the mineral before it
was calcined. The scoria which had accumulated at this
place amounted to 5,000 tons, and an assay of it yielded 20 °/0
of lead and a small quantity of silver.
The establishment for the reduction of mineral at Santa
Barbara, was situated at a distance of about 27 miles to the
west of Ojo de Agua, and it consisted of three high furnaces,
one for calcination and a third for refining. This establishment
was fitted with all other necessary apparatus.
In the year 1868, from a produce of 84 tons of crude mine-
ral 13,940 ozs. of silver were obtained, estimated at that period
at the value of £ 3,700.
It seems that these works were installed at about 1832, but
they were afterwards abandoned for several years. In about
1854, they were improved, and reduction operations were
again commenced; but, on this occasion, the lesson which
should have been learnt from the employment of inadequate
capital and the consequent failure which had so frequently
taken place, had no effect, for we find that the capital of this
new company amounted to no more than £ 2,000.
Other smaller amalgamating works were constructed in
1869 near to a 'place called Candelaria, with the object of
extracting gold which existed in quartz veins at that place.
Similar establishments were, also, constructed near to a mine
called "Tauro", situated at a distance of about 36 miles from
the town of Cordoba. It is believed that the then owner was
the late Mr. Samuel Lafone, and it is reported that he expended
a considerable sum upon the works.
Since the periods indicated, various small companies have
been formed to work mines and extract the metal from the
ores. A special note may be taken of one of these, in this
place, which attempted to exploit the gold mines of the Can-
delaria district. This company was formed in Buenos Aires,
66 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
and its capital was augmented at various times. Mining and
reducing operations were carried on for several years, and
after expending a large sum the scheme was finally abandoned.
The quartz at the surface, and for some little distance in
depth, existed in a spongy condition, i. e., it was full of holes
lined with red oxide of iron and in these holes native gold ap-
peared in abundance, but these bunches of good ore were
isolated and did not continue in depth. When the whole vein
was treated, the quantity of gold derived was only a few gram-
mes for ton. We shall have occasion to speak in a more par-
ticular manner of the mines in this province in a chapter set
apart for it.
CHAPTER III
Different classes of Economic Minerals Existing in the
Province of La Rioja.
Including Assays of Minerals Existing in this and Other Provinces.
It has been considered convenient to commence with a
description of the classes of mineral found in this part of the
Republic, because they are more varied than in the other pro-
vinces: besides it occupies a central position and is generally
considered to be one of the most important mining regions.
1. NATIVE SILVER. — This class is frequently presented in a
filiform state varying in size and distributed throughout the veins
containing other classes of silver mineral. Native silver is also
found in different fantastic and other floriated forms as, also,
in masses.
When first extracted from the mine, it has a white shining or
metallic luster. It is frequently dotted about in the body of
the vein, and, at other times, the whole thickness of the vein
contains native silver and would assay from 60 to 65 %• Such
rich deposits of silver sometimes run for a distance of various
metres in the direction of the strike of the vein and also to a
considerable distance to the rise and to the dip of the explor-
ing galliery. These deposits of native silver may occur at
several points or places and at variable distances one from
another in the direction of the strike of the vein.
68 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Many such cases have occurred in various silver mines in
the districts of Cerro Negro, Calderas, Tigre, etc. Generally,
however, native silver is mixed with other classes and, con-
sequently, assays would be variable.
2. SULPHIDE OF SILVER. — Also termed Silver Glance, or
Vitrious Silver. When it occurs in a pure condition it is mal-
leable with a metallic luster and dark lead colour. Its primitive
form is cubical, but it also occurs in octahedron and rhombic
forms. It cuts like lead and has a black streak. It would assay,
when pure, as much as 87.60 % of silver and 12.40 % of sul-
phur, with variations when other elements, such as iron, enter
into the composition. This class of silver, in a pure condition
is, however, found in small quantities in this country, and is
valued more for collections than for commercial purposes.
The writer has not seen in the mining districts under notice,
samples weighing more than 5 or 6 ozs. each, but when, as a
member of the Jury of Awards at the Chicago Exhibition of
1893, he examined several large samples of sulphide of silver
which were exhibited before the Jury, as a curiosity, each of
which would have weighed several pounds.
In the Silver mines of this province, sulphide of silver is
found in a poorer form. The body of the silver veins generally
consist of quartz which is blackened with patches of sulphide
of silver, dotted about in all directions closer or farther apart as
the case may be. A common or average mixture of the entire
contents of such veins of mineral would yield from O'OOl to
2 °/0 of silver, with all possible variations between these limits.
3. KERARGYRITE, Chloride or Horn Silver. — The physical
aspect of this mineral is peculiar, and it occurs in small crys-
tallized cubes, as, also, in various massive forms. It has a
waxy appearance, and is easily scratched with the nail. Its
colour is that of a pearl-grey, but much exposure to the
light gives it a dark brown colour with a light greenish tinge.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 69
It is malleable, and the cut of a knife leaves a white and shin-
ing streak. Its composition is proto-chloride of silver and,
when pure, would assay 75 % of silver and 25 °/0 of chlor-
ine, with some variations.
In a pure condition, this mineral is not found in large quan-
tities, but is sometimes largely mixed with other silver ores.
When it is present in quantity, it augments the percentage of
the metallic yield to a considerable extent.
4. PYRARGYRITE. — Has been considered by some mineralo-
gists as a synonyme of dark red silver ores, but, by others, it
has been divided into two varieties i. e., Dark red silver ore,
and light red silver ore. Apart from the difference indicated
by the streak in each, an analysis would determine one from
the other. This mineral sometimes occurs in clusters of pris-
matic crystals as, also, in variously formed masses mixed with
other silver mineral. When first extracted from the mine its
colour is dark red, but after much exposure to the light it is
oxidized and presents a colour between lead grey and iron
black. The dark variety has a metallic lustre, and is easily cut
with the knife: the streak left is dark red. Its composition, in a
pure state, is about 61.50% of silver, 20.Q% of antimony
and 17.60°/0 of sulphur with slight variations. This mineral
has, sometimes, been confounded with Cinnabar, owing to
the similarity of colour; but there is a great difference in phy-
sical appearance, besides the specific gravity of the former is
greater than that of the latter.
Another important difference is, that pyrargyrite yields a sil-
ver button before the Blowpipe instead of volatilizing as is
the case with cinnabar. The occurrence of this mineral in pure
cristals is rare in the mining districts under notice.
5. PROUSTITE, or Light red Ruby Silver ore. — This mineral
occurs in isolated and group crystals. Its primitive form is an
obtuse rhombohedron, and its colour, when first extracted from
70 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
the mine, is crimson red or cochineal. It is semi-transparent,
and when cut with a knife leaves a streak of cochineal-red.
Wjien broken it presents an uneaven fracture.
Its composition is 65'200/0 of silver, 19% sulphur and
14-90% of arsenic, with 0'90% of antimony.
However, various assays would present some variation.
It will be observed that in this variety of mineral, the greater
part of the antimony occurring in pyrargyrite has been repla-
ced by arsenic. Pure crystals of proustite are rare, but this
mineral occurs in masses mixed with other silver ores.
6. MIARGYRITE.— Some mineralogists do not include this mi-
neral as a variety of the foregoing ones; but in some respects it
would seem to be allied to them.
The primary form of this mineral is that of an obligue Rhom-
bic prism; crystals of it also occur in a thick tabular form. Its
lustre may be considered to be between metallic and ada-
mantine. It is opaque; but when cut into thin plates, or setions,
and brought into contact with a strong transmitted light, its
colour is of a blood red, and its streak dark cherry red. It is
soft and readily yields to the knife.
The composition of a good sample may be taken as follows:
silver 36'10%, antimony 39'20 %, sulphur 22'00 % iron
1*60 % and copper 1'04 %. In this mineral there is a large
quantity of antimony and the arsenic in proustite is replaced
by iron and copper. This mineral is generally mixed with
other varieties of silver ores, and, in that condition, it is also
easy to be recognised.
STEPHANITE. — "The primary form of this mineral is a right
rhombic prism, occurring in short prismatic or in thick tabular
I
crystals", as also massive. It has a dark lead grey colour, al-
most iron black, metallic, shining, and is soft and brittle. Its
principal composition consist of sulphide of silver, antimony,
etc.; as in the following analysis, Silver 68'54 % , Antimony
14-68 % , Sulphur 16'42 % and Copper 0.64 % .
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 71
It does not occur in a pure condition in this Republic, but is
disseminated with other classes of silver ores. The writer posses-
ses a few samples of this mineral in a nearly pure condition,
said to have been extracted from the mine called "Peregri-
na" situated in the Cerro Negro.
ARGENTARSENICKEL. — This is a very rare mineral in this coun-
try, and was not known to exist prior to 1877. In that year, the
writer had occasion to conduct numerous assays of the mine-
ral collections which he exhibited at the exhibition of Paris in
188Q, in representation of the Argentine Government, and on
that occasion the elements which were determined proved
the mineral to possess a new combination.
The Jury of awards in the Exhibition of Paris, at the date
mentioned, including the President the late celebrated M.
Daubree, and the mineralogist the late M. Fouchs, affirmed
that this mineral had a new combination of elements totally
different to other classes, then known.
An analysis of it was made in the Argentine Government
Mint, in Buenos Aires, by the eminent chemist and metallur-
gist, Doctor). J. J. Kyle, and, therefore, it is authorative. The
analysis is as follows:
N.° 1
Silver 32'22 °/0
Zinc. . 6'60 "
Arsenic 23'46 "
Nickel 12-58 "
Sulphur. . 13-04 "
Iron 8'40 "
Manganese 0*79 "
Insoluble matters 2*60 "
Oxygen and loss 0*31 "
100-00
72 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The mineral known as Gersdorffite contains some of the
above elements, but silver is not present as will be seen in the
following analysis:
N.° 2
Arsenic 39'40 °/0
Sulphur. . . , 16-91 "
Nickel 28-62 "
Iron 12-19 "
Cobalt . 2-88 "
100-00
This mineral is sometimes called nickel-glance and is des-
cribed as cubical pyritohedral. It occurs in octhedrondons, so-
metimes with the faces of the pentagonal dodecahedron and
cubo-octahedron. Colour tin white inclined to lead grey, of-
ten with a grey or greyish-black tarnish. Lustre metallic.
Streak, greyish-black. Fracture, uneaven".
Another variety of this mineral is Amoibite, occurring in
small octahedrons of a pale steel-grey colour. Its analysis is:
N.° 3
Arsenic 45'34 °/0
Nickel 37-34 "
Sulphur 14-00 "
Iron 2-50 "
Lead 0'82 "
Cobalt traces "
100-00
In neither of these varietes is silver found, butN.°3 contains
lead which is absent in N.os' 1 and 2, a sufficient difference to
qualify it for a new name.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 73
The mineral known as K.upfer nickel, or copper nickel, gene-
rally contains the following elements which are extracted from
Bristol's mineralogy :
Nickel ......... 33-67 %
Iron .......... 1-43 "
Antimony ........ 28'37 *'
Arsenic ........ 33'67 "
Sulphur ......... 2-86 "
100-00
It is described as "hexagonal in form, rarely occurring crys-
tallized, but most commonly massive and of a grey or blackish
tarnish, by exposure. Lustre metallic; streak pale brownish
black".
The mineral we have described as Argentarsenickel does
not tarnish by exposure, but, those parts which are red, conti-
nue to maintain that colour, the streak is also red whilst that of
copper nickel is pale brownish black; besides, in other res-
pects, it differs materially from the analysis Nos. 2, 3 and 4.
When a mineral contains some elements similar to other mi-
nerals, with an additional metallic element, a divergence of opi-
nion has existed as to whether it should receive a new name
or not. However, after considering the question, the best au-
thorites have decided in the affirmative. The writer is, there-
fore, of opinion that he is justified in fixing upon the name
Argentarsenickel for this mineral, taking it in the order
of the higher percentages of the principal elements in the
analysis.
This mineral is not known to exist but in a single mine i. e.,
"La Blanca", situated in the Calderas mining district. The mine
has, however, been closed for a considerable period, and the
74 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
lower workings flooded, so that it is impossible to obtain ad-
ditional samples.
In the years 1881-82, a very rich sample of silver mineral
came into the possession of the writer from the mine "Santa
Teresa", situated in the mining district of Cerro Negro. It was
massive, with numerous wires of native silver running through
it in all directions. Its colour was a darkish-grey, with a green
tinge. It was analysed on the 10th. of June 1882, and yielded
the following results:
N.° 5
Silver 2685C/0
Gold traces
Iron 13-80 "
Zinc 3'60 "
Nickel 3'20 "
Cobalt 1-30 "
Lead 0'55 "
Antimony 0'30 "
Arsenic 9.70 "
Oxide of Manganese .... 13'80 "
Copper traces
Sulphur 2-30 "
Alumina 0'80 "
Magnesia 1*20 "
Lime 0'20 "
Chlorine traces
Siliceous insoluble matter. . . 2.50 "
Water, Oxygen and Loss . . . 20' 10 '•
100-00
There would seem to be some analogy between the analy-
sis Nos. 1 and 5; but the latter contains elements not found in
Nos. 1,2, 3 and 4.
The writer believes that the existence of nickel and cobalt
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 75
was not known to exist in the silver mineral of the Cerro Negro
district previous to the date cited.
However, as far back as 1879, nickel was known to exist at a
place called Jague, in the Departament of Vinchina, in the pro-
vince of La Rioja. At the date referred to, the late Doctor Puig-
gari, made an analysis of the nickel mineral, and he was led to
believe that it was obtained from one of the mining districts of
Famatina; but the late Doctor Brackenbusch, professor of mi-
neralogy in the University of Cordoba, stated that nickel did
not exist at that period in the regions named, and, further, that
the sample of nickel mineral analysed by Doctor Puiggari
came from Jagiie. The following are the elements which were
contained in the sample of nickel referred to.
N.° 6
Nickel 40-9
Arsenic 33'4
Sequioxide of Uranium 6'3
Protoxide of Iron 5'4
Calcium 8'9
Silicon (oxide) 3'2
Sulphur 0'9
Water 0*4
Loss 0'6
100-0
The two first elements in the analysis N.° 6, are similar to the
corresponding ones in N.° 4, and, therefore, may be considered
to be allied with copper-nickel; but as the other elements
are dissimilar to those contained in the analysis N.os 1 and 5, it
seems to be a proof that this mineral was derived from the
nickel mines in Jagiie, as previously noticed.
BROMIDE OF SILVER. — This mineral is found cubical, in cu-
bo-octahedrons. When it is pure and newly extracted from the
76 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
mine, its colour is a bright yellow, with patches of a greenish
tinge. Pure samples would assay from 42'6 °/0 to 42.44 % of
bromide, and from 57'4to 57*56 % of silver. It is, however, ge-
nerally mixed with other classes of silver ores, especially those
containing a good deal of oxide of iron. It is generally found
near to the surface. The oxide of iron, locally called Paco, is
frequently strongly impregnated with a mixture of Native, Sul-
phide, Bromide and Iodide of Silver. Sometimes the silver
contained in the oxide of iron is in the form of chloride, and
would not be apparent; but if submitted to the flame of
the blow-pipe, the Silver immediately appears in a native form
in white patches or spots depending upon the richness of the
sample. In the absence of a blow-pipe apparatus, the native
miners calcine the mineral, throwing it afterwards into cold
water, which has the same effect, and in this way they prove
whether the paco mineral is worth exploiting or not.
POLYBACITE. — This mineral occurs in short tabular six sided
prisms, striated parallel to their base. Colour and streak iron-
black when thin slices are made and submitted to transmitted
light, it has a cherry-red colour. Lustre metallic with an un-
even fracture.
Its composition is Sulphantimonite of Silver, in which part
of the silver is replaced by copper and part of the antimony by
arsenic. The writer has not seen pure samples of this mine-
ral from the mines of this country and, consequently, possesses
no analysis of it; but, Bristow, gives the following analysis as
representing a pure sample:
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 77
N.°7
Silver 64-29%
Sulphur 17-04 "
Copper 9-93 "
Antimony 5'09 "
Arsenic 3*74 "
Iron . > 0-06 "
100-15
Naturally, samples of this mineral differ in purity and, con-
sequently, analysis of such would differ from the above.
This mineral occurs in the mines of this country mixed in
varying proportions with other classes of silver ore.
The classes of silver ore previously described, are those
which have generally been recognised as existing in the silver
mines in the various mining districts in the Famatina moun-
tains.
Doubtless some other classes exist mixed with the ordinary
silver ores; but, as these have not been determined in a pure
condition, no analysis of them can be given. Many of the veins
of silver ore in the various districts referred to, occur at the
surface in a ferruginous condition, locally called paco, but it
diminishes in depth, and is replaced by compact quartz and
other elements and, as previously noted, it is in this class of
mineral where the Native and Sulphide of Silver occur in the
greatest abundance.
The classes of silver, previously described, are distributed in
the mineral veins in varying proportions: the chlorides, bromi-
des and iodides occur as, previously noticed, more in the ferru-
ginous masses than in the quartz. The Native and Ruby
Silver ores occur more in the quartz than in the ferruginous
masses. Either one or the other of the classes named
78 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
could exist together or separately, but the indications presented
by a single sample, no matter how rich, is no proof of the rich-
ness of the average produce of a vein. The value of a mine
of this class must, therefore, depend upon the proportion of
each class of mineral produced per year.
Some of the samples of silver ore selected from the Nation-
al Museum of minerals belonging to the National Govern-
ment Offices of Mines and Geology, sent to the Sant Louis
exhibition, would assay as follows:
N.°8
Native Silver from . . 0'05 % to 60' 15 %
Ruby Silver " . . 0'24 " " 65'20 "
Sulphide " . . 3'60 " " 60'10 "
Native and sulphides . 0'05 " " 20'30 "
Bromides 0'75 " " 5'20 "
Chloro-bromides . . O'QO " " 3'60 "
The average produce which has been obtained from the
silver mines in the districts referred to, will be noted in another
chapter.
COPPER ORES
The principal copper mines of this province, exist in a
mountainous district, called La Mejicana. The veins of mine-
ral, as also the mines, are numerous, and the copper ores are
of various classes, generally mixed with a considerable quan-
tity of gold and silver. The general class of mineral is:
ENARGITE, described as occurring in a rhombic form with an
Iron-black colour and metalic lustre. The cut of a knife leaves
a black streak. This mineral is very brittle, and the fracture is
uneaven. A pure sample of it would analyze
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 79
Copper 47-20 %
Arsenic 17*59 "
Antimony 1'61 "
Iron 0-56 "
Zinc 0-22 "
Sulphur 32-22 "
Silver , O'Ol "
99-41
When this class of mineral was first discovered in this coun-
try, much attention was directed to its contents and determina-
tion. When it is free from deliterious elements and other classes
of copper, the following analysis fairly represents it.
N.°10 N.°ll N.°12
Copper .... 46-99% 47-10% 48' 10 %
Arsenic .... 14-38" 16'90 " 17'04 "
Antimony. . . . 2'24 " 1'54 " 1'89 "
Iron. ..... 2-50 " 1'76 " M9 "
Lead ..... 3*20 " 0'99 " 0.50 "
Sulphur .... 29-20 " 30.86 " 31 '00 "
Residue and loss 1-49 " 0'85 " 0*28 "
100-00 100-00 100-00
The samples of mineral, employed in the above analysis,
were obtained from the celebrated mine "Upulungos". Gener-
ally, this class of mineral is mixed with various others, such as
green and blue carbonates, chalcopyrite, spots of sulphate, etc.
Not many years since, a new combination of copper ele-
ments was discovered, the principal being designated:
FAMATINITA. — It occurs massive, with a peculiar purplish
80 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
tinge, and, up to the present, it has not been discovered in
any other part of the Argentine Republic. It is accompanied
with enargite and the other classes of copper ores indicated
above, and, consequently, it is difficult to procure samples
in a pure condition.
The contents of this mineral were not only determined in
this country, but also in Germany. We may, therefore, accept
the determination with the greatest confidence.
It has been communicated to me that the person who origi-
nally discovered this mineral was the late Emilio Huniken, a
celebrated chemist and metallurgist who was for many years
associated with the mines of this province.
From some of the best samples of this mineral procurable,
the following analysis were made:
N.°13 N.°14 N.° 15
Copper . . .
43-84 0/n
44-04 °/0
43-87 °L
Arsenic . . .
Antimony . .
Sulphur . . .
. . 4-01 "
. . 23-10 "
. . 29-05 "
3-49 "
22.92 "
29-55 "
2-93 "
23-65 "
28-55 "
100-00 100-00 100-00
The principal difference existing between Enargite and
Famatinita, is that the former contains less antimony and
arsenic, with iron and lead, than the latter. Some of the finest
samples of enargite the world ever saw will be exhibited in the
Argentine Section of Mining and Metallurgy in the Exhibition
of San Louis, 1904.
COVELLINE. — The primitive form of this mineral is hexagonal,
with a colour representing indigo-blue, and a sub-metallic
lustre; its streak is a shining black, and when in a pure condi-
tion its elements, as determined by analysis, are represented as
follows:
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 81
N.° 16
Copper 65-20 °/0
Sulphur 31-50 "
Iron 2-10 "
Insoluble materials and loss. 1'20 "
100-00
This class of copper is, however, mixed in some of the cop-
per veins of this district with others in considerable quantities.
ERUBESCITE. — The primitive form of this mineral is cubical,
and is found in a crystalized and massive condition. Its gene-
ral colour is purplish, and, when newly fractured, the colour
would approach to a copper red, but it is soon oxydised by
exposure. It has a metallic lustre and, when in a pure condi-
tion, the following elements would represent it.
N.°17
Copper 56-76 °/0
Sulphur 25-24 "
Iron 14-84 "
Insoluble matter and loss . 3*16 "
100-00
Erubescite is sometimes associated with Bornite and Phil-
lipsite.
CYANOSITE. — This is a sulphate of copper occurring in "sta-
latitic, reniform and amorphous masses" as, also, incrustations.
It has a dark sky-blue colour, varying in shade. Sometimes
the stalactitic parts appear as a whitish blue. It has a vitreous
lustre, is brittle and is uneaven in fracture and dissolves in
water. A good sample would yield:
82 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 18 N.° 19
Oxide of copper 30'10 % to 31'20 %
Sulphuric acid 32'50 " " 33'05 "
Water and Loss . 37'40 " " 35'75 "
100-00 100-00
This mineral occurs in the mines of Los Bayos district, but
is mixed to a large extent with Chalcopyrite and sometimes
Enargite, and consequently, an analysis of it would differ from
those given above. It also carries gold and silver, which gives
to it an essential difference from pure samples of sulphate of
copper.
EUCARITE.— This mineral is described by some of the older
mineralogists as occurring "massive, and in thin superficial
black films, staining the calcareous rocks in which it is con-
tained". The colour is between silver white and lead-grey with
a metallic lustre and granular texture. It is rather soft, and when
cut with a knife leaves a gray shining streak. When fractured, it
has a fine silvery grain.
The composition of this mineral is a selenide of silver and
copper, and, therefore, the above description of its physical ap-
pearance should include a dark greenish colour in parts. It is
fairly represented by the following analysis:
N.° 20
Selenium 26'00 °/o
Copper 23-05 "
Silver 38'93 "
Gangue 8'99 "
Carbonic acid and Loss ... 3' 13 "
100-00
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 83
This is considered to be a rare mineral, having been found
but in few places, and in small quantities.
However, within the last few years, a large deposit of it was
discovered at Humango, near to the town of VINCHINA. Some
persons have designated it as Humangite. Analysis of several
samples gave the following results:
N.° 21
Selenium 31 "53 °/0
Silver 42'90 "
Copper 25.47 "
9Q90
This mineral contains more silver, selenium and copper than
N.° 20.
Other samples of mineral obtained from the same mine yield
the following results:
N.° 22
Copper 54-45 °/0
Silver 0'55 "
Selenium. 45'00 "
100-00
The copper and selenium in this assay is augmented and the
silver diminished; and, for this reason, the mineral was consi-
dered to be a selenitic of copper.
The mine in question only yielded a few tons of this class of
mineral, the greater part of which was sold to the reduction
establishments, and the remainder distributed between the mu-
seums and collectionists. Some samples found their way to
Germany; but none to France or England, I believe.
The vein of mineral appears to have pinched out in the Hu-
84 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
mango mine; but one would suppose that if work had been
continued in the deep and on the strike of the vein, other de-
posits may have been discovered.
COPPER-NICKEL.— Occurs in a hexagonal form, crystals of it,
however, are rare. It is more frequently found in a massive
condition and has a copper-red colour; but, after much expo-
sure, it tarnishes. Generally it has a metallic lustre, and when cut
with the point of a knife, it leaves a dark brownish streak. It is
brittle and the fracture is imperfect, fine grained and uneven.
Its composition is usually considered to be a di-arsenide of
nickel. It is usually mixed with other minerals giving a variety
in the analysis as is exhibited in the preceeding analysis N.° 7,
which was made from mineral of this country.
GALENA. — Generally occurs crystallized in a cubic octahe-
dron, and in various other combinations of these, with planes
and other figures, as also, in amorphous masses with lamellar
structure.
Sometimes, argentiferous lead presents a fine granular form,
with a lead grey colour; but in some varieties it changes to a
dark bluish colour: it has a metallic lustre and its composition
is prdtosulphide of lead; but it frequently contains other
metallic elements.
The following is a characteristic example of analysis of this
mineral:
N.°23
Silver 0'325 °/0
Lead 80'700 "
Antimony 3'307 "
Iron 1-377 "
Copper 0-440 "
Zinc 0-024 "
Sulphur 12-840 "
Insoluble material water and loss. 0'Q87 "
100-000
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
85
This class of mineral is found in considerable quantities in
the province under consideration, as, also in other mineral pro-
vinces; but in general the crystals are large, and, consequently,
contain but a comparatively small amount of silver. There
are, however, some varieties in the mines of the province of
Cordoba with a fine steel or granular structure which yield a
considerable amount of silver.
A vein of mineral exists in Rio Blanco, in the province of La
Rioja, of the class under consideration, samples of which have
yielded the following results:
N.° 24
Lead
Silver
Zinc
Copper
Iron
Antimony
Sulphur
Insoluble residue loss and water
39-00
1-40
0-60
3-50
2-00
32-00
20-40
1-10
100-00
Galena has been employed to a considerable extent in some
of the establishments of reduction as a fundent to reduce the
more refractory minerals, and an average determination from
20 tons of this class of mineral gave the following results:
86 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°25
Silver 0-142 %
Lead 32-000 "
Oxide of Iron 27-000 "
Oxide of manganese 2'500 "
Sulphuric acid 4-000 "
Carbonic acid 3'000 "
Silica 14-000 "
Sulphur 6-000 "
Water S'OOO "
Oxygen 3 000 "
Loss, etc 0-358 "
100-000
An analysis made by the lafe Mr. E. Huniken, from mineral
obtained from mines in the district of Los Llanos, gave the
following results:
N.° 26
Silver 0'036 %
Gold 0005 "
Lead 40-000 "
Copper 30-000 "
Considering that this only amounted to 70'041 % there
existed 29'969 % of other elements not described.
Other samples of mineral obtained from the mines of the
same district gave varying results as in the three following ta-
bles, Nos. 27, 28, and 29.
N.° 27
Copper . . 8-000 °/0 14-000% 15-000% 17'000%
Gold . . . 0 029 " 0 002 " 0'004 " 0-036 "
Silver — 0-045 " 0'030 "
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
87
N.°28
Copper 12-000 % 13-000 % 16'000 % 17 000 % 30-000 %
Gold . 0.002 '•
Silver . 0'120 " 0*014 " 0'015 " 0'013 " 0'013 "
Lead . 5*000 "
N.°29
Copper. . 3-000% 5'000% 5*000 % 5'000% Q'OOO %
Gold . . . 0-004 " 0-003 (l 0'002 " 0'003 "
Silver . . 0*045 " 0*045 " 0*420 " 0*057 " 0'179 "
Lead . . . 8*000 " 16.000 " IQ'OOO " 9*000 "
Samples of mineral obtained from mines existing in the Va-
Jley Hermoso, in the district of Vinchina, assayed as follows:
Copper
N.°
Silver
30
Gold
Lead
40-5%
22-4 "
0*672%
0-122 "
0*0002 %
0*0001 "
4%
8 "
Description of Minerals in Other Parts of the Republic with
Their Analysis.
PROVINCE OF CATAMARCA.
The copper-ores extracted from the mines are, with the ex-
ception of large bodies of enargitejamatinita and sulphate of
copper, similar in class to those already described as existing
in La Rioja.
The following analysis represents copper ores extracted
88 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
from some of the mines of the Hoyada, a mineral district situa-
ted in the Northern part of the province.
N.° 31
Copper 42-399 %
Silver 2'370 "
Lead 1-161 "
Zinc traces "
Sulphate of zinc 8'037 "
Iron 10-010 "
Sulphur 13-241 "
Insoluble matter 15' 100 "
Combined water, oxigen, car-
bonic acid and loss 7'682
100-000
Another sample of copper ore, obtained from the mines of
the same district, yielded the following analysis:
N.°32
Copper 39-844 %
Silver 0 677 "
Lead 0-389 "
Iron 2*100 "
Sulphur 9-462 "
Insoluble matter 44 000 "
Oxygen, carbonic acid and loss . 3-528 "
100-000
Analysis of the copper ores obtained from the celebrated
mine "Panchita", also in the same district, gave the following
results:
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 8Q
N°33
Copper 40.962 °/0
Silver 1'020 "
Iron 2-520 "
Sulphur 8-364 "
Insoluble matter 39.800 "
Oxygen, combined water and carbonic acid 7*334 "
100-000
When the writer visited this district, he found that the great-
er part of the mines has been closed on account of the great
cost of transport; but some of them had been very productive.
Samples were obtained and the following, analysis exhibits
the elements as obtained from an average produce of one
of the mines:
N.°34
Copper 10-00 %
Silver 10'67 "
Iron 13-65 "
Lead 8-55 "
Arsenic 2'08 "
Antimony 0"14 "
Zinc 21-24 "
Sulphur 13-81 "
Insoluble matter 4'01 "
Carbonic acid 5*00 "
Water in combination .... 3'08 "
Oxygen (calculated) .... 7'67 "
Loss . O'lO "
100-00
A very peculiar sample of mineral was given to the writer
when visiting the town of Chilecito some years since, and
QO MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
he was informed that it was obtained by a miner of great
experience from a vein of mineral which he had discovered in
the Northern part of the province of Catamarca i. e., the Hoya-
da or near to it. When, therefore, the writer made expeditions
into that province, inquiries were made and the miners resi-
ding in all the mining districts consulted, but no one knew of
the existence of the vein of mineral in question, and when the
sample of mineral was exhibited to them they possessed no
knowledge of its class, confessing that it was new to them. It
has been considered that the sample refered to and in the
possession of the writer is the only one of its class known to
exist in this Republic. If is fine grained, of blackish colour,
without metallic luster and has great resistence to fracture. It
has been assayed on several occasions.
The following analysis, made by Doctor Kyle, of the Natio-
nal Government Mint, represents its elements:
N.°35
Base of quartz 70-210%
Silver . 0'568 "
Gold • 0 032 "
Copper 11-490 "
Zinc 0-540 "
Iron 0 600 "
Lead traces
Antimony 1'320 "
Arsenic 7'137 "
Sulphur 8-103 "
loo-oocT
This being considered to be a rare mineral, the writer
ventured to give it the name of tioyadite.
The gold produce is at the rate of 10'45 ounces, and that of
silver 183-55 ounces per ton with 1 1'4Q °/0 of copper:
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
91
N.° 36
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
70-15
17-30
35-79
9-20
30-60
17-20 31-10
4-45
25-04
21-60 25-95
5-30
2031
4-10 3550
12-20
25-40
23-90
35-39
4-20
500
13-60
7-20
2530
10-46
10-70
10-20
25-40
1022
12-30
9-25
2-75
22-70
31-20
33-29
3-50
12-25
2-00
65-35
6-50
21-64
19-20
15-20
30-25
14-38
8-40
15-29
10-00
12-15
2830
38-25
1035
15-30
10-90
25-20
21-34
9-11
3-20
11-35
3-26
3009
1690
6-35
8-10
30-42
27-70
4-37
2-50
16-30
33-45
38-49
3-10
10-15
14-70
23-25
32-40
12-62
2-10
48-36
15-20
35-25
13-95
10-15
5-00
18-15
3-55
3195
6-25
45-10
200
25-34
0-25
12-40
2-25
4-20
11-25
65-32
13-25
10-00
0-25
1065
11-22
11-19
5-25
28-25
28-35
20-00
35-50
30-12
35-25
18-97
11-25
33-80
15-92
0-25
9-45
40-54
11-45
1-50
425
13-50
7-25
350
10-25
15-75
15-95
6-25
1-25
16-25
8-25
24-25
22-34
6-20
7-24
4-00
1-38
50-15
35-25
11-25
15-25
12-30
42-29
9-30
3-25
14-10
27-37
12-20
6-44
14-30
12-10
30-50
48-29
10-80 10-25 10-35
36-42
92
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 37
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
3-20
32-45
4000
14-35
2-40
7-25
13-95
30-25
10-20
45-35
30-00
14-26
11-10
31-15
6-50
7-35
14-20
5-00
25-30
10-75
15-40
65-93
0-50
25-30
31-42
29-45
31-55
6.20
A large number of assays were made of various samples of
native silver from which those above, N.° 36, and 37 were
selected as representing the poover as also the richer classes.
N.°38
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
12-24
6-25
68-20
0-35
58-29
1-50
22-40
12-32
37-29
0-25
48-67
14-00
5-20
15-25
24-36
5-84
6-28
46-00
12-24
10-45
31-42
5-25
18-24
4-30
35-26
0-52
0-25
16-24
41-64
10-20
28-60
54-00
5-25
32-56
45-65
6-25
31-42
55-29
32-94
38-29
18-40
67-49
37-97
15-39
8-46
40-60
8-73
3-29
15-00
25-35
23-46
o-oi
34-25
23-25
48-25
25-36
o-oi
2-35
7-19
2-00
22-26
35-29
5-26
12-24
3-24
4-00
47-97
6-10
0-25
7-84
4-40
36-42
The above assays, contained in the table N.° 38, represent
the percentage yield of silver contained in various samples of
mineral of the class of Bromide, Sulplide, Native Silver and
some others not determined.
These samples were collected by the writer during one of
his exploring visits made to the district in which the mines
exist and from which the samples were extracted.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
93
The analysis were made in the laboratory of the National
Government Department of Mines and Geology; but the other
elements determined to complete each analysis are not given
because it would be a repetition of what has already been
demonstrated; besides space could not be devoted to it.
However, ample details have been given in former pages
to which the reader is referred for such particulars.
N.°39
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
8-91
4-36
0-84
5-07
7-88
2-04
7-00
4-836
4-23
9-83
1-44
1-20
2-25
4-16
4-15
9-08
6-12
1-38
6-64
3-20
3-36
3-23
8-66
7-32
3-40
18-33
0-25
3-28
1-36
5-48
3-20
396
4-20
1-25
2-10
7-08
15-47
7-20
4-88
12-10
4-74
4-36
5-76
11-25
4-70
5-16
0-75
0-25
1-25
5-48
4-62
4-20
5-38
2-64
2-44
1-74
3-04
2-14
0-24
3-04
1-56
2-82
9-64
3-25
1-95
1-55
4-76
2-25
3-20
2-00
0-65
2-50
6-20
17-35
3-50
1-25
7-35
4-20
0-25
1-20
3-50
3-53
4-24
2-50
3-00
1-50
310
0-25
i-oo
0-25
3-50
4-20
6-35
5-55
5-24
3-47
18-57
5-09
—
—
—
—
The percentage yield of silver contained in the above table,
N.° 39, was selected from a long list of analysis.
The average of those given may be obtained from the sum
of each horizontal line taken across the columns.
These determinations were obtained from samples of sul-
phide of silver.
Naturally, it is easy to understand that each sample of mine-
ral treated, would have its richer and poorers parts and hence
there is a great difference in the assays.
94
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 40
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
8-00
10-00
8-00
7-00
6-00
10-12
13'45
7-25
3-60
71-25
26-24
70-25
69-45
39-64
5-25
—
—
The above table, N.° 40, contains a selection of assay deter-
minations of various samples of sulphide of silver ores, the
richest being noted and, as previously indicated, the average
percentage of each horizontal line taken across the columns
may be found by a simple process.
N.° 41
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
13-24
9-34
6-25
7-27
3-20
2-20
8-10
12-65
2-25
5-65
4-00
1-24
6-10
5-14
0-25
3-25
3-20
9-35
8-94
3-21
1-24
5-65
12-30
9-61
10-65
5-28
3-10
6-24
11-07
5-20
13-24
2-24
4-25
8-00
8-20
6-30
It is necessary to observe that in the assay table N.° 41, the
richest determinations of this class of mineral i. e., Red or
Ruby Silver were not included owing to their exceptional
richness and rareness of occurrence.
N.°42
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
10-00
45-20
5-00
6-40
10-20
4-00
60-00
71-35
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
95
As previously noted the occurrence of this class of mine-
ral i. e., chloride of silver ore, in a pure condition is rare,
consequently, but a few determinations could be made.
N°. 43
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
Per Cent
0-32
17-47
6-00
8-00
25-35
8-04
6-26 3-56
11-42
25-78
18'88
4-12
15-40
5-88
15-90
372
30-00
12-24
6-64
2-00
0-50 1-60
2-40
3-11
1-20 4-20
4-13 0-09
1 00
1-50
4-36 7-27 4-13 4'13
34-68
3-00
2-10 1-45
4-00 0-80
035
3-46
0-55
5-00
12-00
5-02
1-50
2-24
35-00
2-20
10-20
12-00
0-55
27-35
5-00
3-20
9-24
12-16
3-00 3-25
3-00
2-18
2-15
1-75
0-99
620
5-64
3-24
14-20
1-10
12-29
8-24
4-60
2-20
6-25
2-34
—
—
The mineral (ferruginous) containing Sulphide, Bromide and
Native Silver, represented by the assays. N.° 43, exists in
greater abundance than the other classes, consequently the
determinations more more numerous.
N.°44
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper Silver
% %
Gold
%
4000
0250
25000
0-65
0-0053
35-00)
o-nnn
18-000
0-50
0-0037
40-00)
•j \j\j\j
20-000
0-45
0-0037
63-00
0-800
15-000
045
0-0074
50-00
0-590
0-0099
12.000
0-20
0-0062
66-00
0-837
0-0160
7-575
—
66-00
0-837
0-0160
20-000
0-35
0-0062
66-00 Q'837
0-0160
14-000
0-08
0-0074
96
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°45
Copper
Silver
Gold
Copper
Silver
Gold
66-00
0-837
0-0160
10000
0-20
0-0037
65-00
0-837
•01600
22-000
0-55
0-0004
30-00]
0'9nn
12-000
0-42
0-0024
35'OOi
£\j\j
22000
0-25
0-0049
60-00
1-730
0-0150
25-000
0-54
0-0037
20-00
0-360
0-0240
8-000
010
0-0030
24-00
0-560
0-0024
4-000
o-io
0-0024
24-00
0-742
0-0110
12-000
0-20
0-0062
16-00
0-250
0-0031
10-000
0-15
0-0027
71-20
—
—
18-000
0-60
0-0850
30-00
40-00
0-350
0-0062
18-000
5-000
0-48
o-io
0-0220
0-0160
30-OOj
40W
0-350
0-0062
18-000
16-000
0-30
0-19
0-0460
0-0270
—
0-200
0-0049
20-000
0-25
0-0037
25-00
0-300
0-0099
20-000
0-30
0-0074
18-00
0-250
0-0049
25000
0-60
0-0074
35-00
0-250
0-0037
25-000
0-60
0-0074
—
20-600
—
30-000
0-40 0-0024
65-00
0837
0-0160
25-000
040 0-0037
24-24
—
—
30-000
0-15 0-0016
0-757
—
—
15-000
0-20
0-0037
50-000
0-59
0-0090
14-000
0-43
0-0037
66-000
0837
0-0160
14-000
0-30
0-0037
24-391
—
—
. —
0-08
0-0043
14-000
0-28
0-0037
20-000
0-15
0-0037
25-000
0-30
0-0062
18-000
0-70
0-0099
13-483
—
—
18-000
0-70
0-0099
21-967
—
—
24-000
0-27
0-0049
20-000
0-35
0-0049
15-000
0-40
0-0187
5-454
—
. —
25-200
0-20
0-0022
14-000
0-40-1-00
0-0049
20-000
0-30
0-0061
30-000
0-60
0-0120
8-000
0-15
0-0062
30-000
0-55
0-0024
30-000
0-45
0-0027
18-000
0-45
0-0074
18-000
0-20
0-0011
8-000
020
0-0043
14-000
0-25
0-0027
32-000
0-58
0-0075
15-000
0-30
0-0083
7-570
o-oo
—
12-000
0-35
0-0124
5-151
o-oo
—
25-000
0-30
0-0066
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
97
The table N.° 44 and 45, exhibits various determinations of
the copper ores which were obtanied from the mines in the Me-
jicana district, and is important as representing the yield of
copper, gold and silver more particular notice of which will
be given when describing the copper mines of that districl.
N.° 46
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
21-000
015
0-0022
26-058
5-000
0-20
0-0037
34-996
—
—
18-000
0-25
0-0062
20-452
—
—
12-000
0-50
0-0066
9-847
—
20-000
0-65
0-0027
22-725
—
10-000
1-00
0-0037
12-120
—
12-000
065
0-0037
1-212
—
20-000
0-42
0-0027
12-120
—
20-000
0-30
0-0037
19-089
—
—
25-000
0-40
0-0099
3-957
—
48000
0-35
0.0012
13-539
—
13-000
0-40
0-0074
16-872
—
13-000
0-40
0-0049
15101
—
16-000
0-40
0-0086
20-205
— .
8-123
—
—
20-205
—
—
6-457
—
—
70-926
—
9-790
—
—
79-280
—
—
3-749
—
—
73-000 1
—
—
3-939
—
—
90'OOOj
—
—
26-361
—
—
89-000
—
33-536
—
—
69-700
—
3-666
—
—
69-700
—
0-606
—
—
69-390
—
—
0-454
—
—
12-498
—
—
2-878
—
—
34-087
—
—
11 111
—
—
15-622
—
—
26-664
—
—
15-150
—
—
6-211
—
—
26-058
—
—
10-302
—
54-078
—
98
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The resulting assay as exhibited in Table N.° 46, consist of
determinations of the percentage contents of various samples
of copper ores, in some of which, the yield of gold and silver
were not so constant as those represented in Table N.° 45.
N.°47
Province
Mine
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
o/
/o
Observations
Catamarca
0-060
_
—
0-070
—
—
—
—
0-040
—
—
—
—
0-080
—
—
• —
—
0-084
—
—
—
—
0-048
-
—
—
—
0-006
—
—
—
—
0-216
—
—
—
—
0-232
—
—
-
42-18
0-068
—
—
—
1626
0-022
—
—
—
—
0-172
—
—
—
—
0-168
—
—
—
—
0-052
—
—
—
—
0-052
—
—
—
—
0012
—
Carmelita
1T382
0'038
_
0-292
—
—
—
0-116
—
—
—
8-458
0-160
—
Esperanza
8-320
0-444
—
—
Carmelita
13-12
0-430
—
—
Rosario
16-90
0-084
—
—
—
6-72
0-072
—
25 de Mayo . .
4-16
0-024
—
—
Mina Nueva.. . .
—
0-630
_
—
Carmelita
7-01
0-132
.
Rosario
30'72
0"152
_
11-84
0-152
—
Esperanza..
9-10
0-084
—
Carmelita
12-71
0-076
Mejicana
7'65
Q'366
_
Pesebrera
11-01
0-066
_
—
Sovabon
7-66
0-055
Rosario
4 "66
0"060
_
6'76
0-054
—
—
0-24
0-040
—
Esperanza
0-92
0-060
—
—
—
11-48
0-068
—
Rosario
4 '98
0'060
—
Carmelita
2-74
0-052
—
—
—
0-044
_
Galena.
—
—
—
0-434
—
—
4-220
0-044
—
Blende.
— '
—
7-520
0-076
Mejicana. ...
1'924
—
—
0-044
—
Catatnarquena..
—
0-108
—
—
—
. — .
0-060
—
—
Sierra Amarilla.
—
0-067
o-ooi
—
—
—
0-070
—
—
Catamarquefia..
--
0-020
O'OOOS
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
99
N.°48
Province
Mine
Copper
"/'j
Silver Gold
% %
Observations
Catamarca ....
Luisa
0"060 0'0003
0-060 0-0005
Galena.
—
Carmelita
8-52
0-348
—
—
6-76
0-028
Mejicana
0'026
_
Carmelita
23-04
0-152
—
Rosario
8 '48
0'052
—
3-52
1-572
_
Esperanza
16'96
0'220
Galena.
—
0-052
—
—
5-225
0-088
—
—
4'95
0-112
—
—
4-95
0-122
Rosario
2Q-52
0'092
_
6-48
0-092 -
—
—
8-10
0-044
Esperanza
4'86
0'072
Carmelita
7'50
0-276 —
—
6-48
0-204 —
—
25 de Mayo
—
0-016
Rosario
46'44
0"072
—
Carmelita
5'34
0-042
—
—
4-89
0-052
—
—
6-319
0-044
—
Martinez
—
0-222
—
Santillara
—
0-132
—
—
—
0-052
Martinez
0'092
—
Esperanza
—
0072
Rosario
(>-122
—
_
0-102
—
Esperanza
—
0-072
—
Carmelita
0'136
—
0-092
—
Esperanza
—
0-182
—
—
—
0-152
—
—
— .
0-052
—
—
11-90
0-104 0-301
—
—
12-49
0-112
—
—
11-30
0-132
—
—
16-07
0-072
—
—
22-61
0-144
— -
—
11-90
0-064
—
—
12-90
0-072
—
—
16-07
0-072
—
—
11-90
0-072 —
—
—
16-07
0-112
—
Esperanza
16-66
0-112
—
—
10-71
0-072
—
— .
19-11
0-032
—
—
—
0-304
—
—
—
0-352
—
—
—
0-144 —
—
—
—
0-152
—
—
—
0-260
—
—
—
0-060
—
—
—
0-060 —
— •
—
— .
0-072
—
—
—
0-032
--
—
—
0-094 0-004
100
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°49
Province
Mine
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Observations
Catamarca
Esperanza.
0'096
—
0-576
0.0044
—
• —
—
0-064
—
—
—
—
0-024
—
—
—
—
0-112
—
—
—
—
0-164
—
—
—
63-80
0-072
—
—
—
—
0-040
—
—
—
—
0-048
—
—
—
—
0-072
—
—
—
—
0-012
—
—
—
—
0-216
_
-.
—
—
0'096
—
—
—
32 -QO
—
—
—
—
—
0-028
—
.
—
—
0-040
—
—
—
_
0-072
—
—
_
0-452
—
.
0-080
—
Romay
_
Iron 54'81 %
Carmelita
0'136
_
0-322
_
—
—
_
0-522
—
—
—
0-090
—
-_
—
—
0-066
—
—
—
—
0-042
—
—
_
—
0034
—
—
—
0-050
—
.
_
4-65
0-066
_
—
12-20
0-098
0-00075
—
—
4-94
0-066
—
—
—
12-78
0-098
. —
—
—
12-90
—
—
—
—
—
o-ioo
— .
—
Catamarquefia. .
Carmelita ....
—
0.66
O'OOl
60-40
0-30
—
—
—
48-20
—
—
__
—
—
0-320
—
—
64-70
0-440
.—
_
—
66-31
0-548
—
—
—
0-472
—
—
48-88
1-052
—
—
36-20
0-582
—
—
58-92
0-312
—
4
67-09
0-224
—
—
64-46
0-352
—
69-72
0-392
—
_.
56-67
0-352
—
.
58-90
0-52
0-0032
61-69
0487
0-0045
.
60-48
0-501
0-004
64-78
0-433
0-007
65-06
0-446
0-0065
63-00
0-594
0-006
62-41
0-587
0-006
54-58
0-570
0-005
54-33
0-65
0-003
_
50-77
0-536
0-0032
San Juan . . .
—
—
0-867
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
101
N.°50
Province
Mine
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Observations
San Juan
Carmelita
1-070
—
0'536
_
—
— •
—
0-028
—
—
—
— •
0-256
—
—
—
—
0-016
—
—
—
9-14
0-042
0-030
—
—
24-39
0-032
0-012
—
—
—
2-28
—
—
—
—
2-27
—
—
—
44-16
0-176
—
—
—
—
1-25
—
—
—
20-72
—
0-006
—
—
—
0-352
—
— '
—
—
0-036
—
Lead 45'54 %
—
—
—
0-008
—
• 22-77 »
—
—
—
0-032
. — .
» 46-37 .
—
—
—
0-296
—
—
—
—
0-362
—
—
—
—
0-035
—
Lead 16'86 %
—
—
—
0-215
—
—
—
—
0-046
—
—
—
—
0-0035
0-0005
Quartz auriferous
—
—
—
—
0-00025
—
—
—
—
—
0-0002
—
—
—
—
—
00005
—
—
—
—
—
0-0015
—
—
—
—
—
0-0025
—
—
—
—
—
0-0020
—
—
—
—
—
00010
—
—
—
—
—
0-0030
—
—
—
—
—
0-0015
—
—
—
—
—
o-ooio
—
—
—
—
—
0-0080
—
-•
—
—
—
0-0003
—
—
—
—
—
0-0002
—
—
—
—
—
0-0025
—
—
—
—
—
0-0020
—
—
...
—
_
0-0070
—
—
—
_
o-ooio
—
—
—
—
0-0220
O'OOSO
—
—
.-
—
0-0055
0-0015
—
—
—
—
0-0195
0-0015
—
—
—
—
00830
0-0050
—
—
—
—
0-0120
0-0020
—
—
—
—
0-0160
0-0040
—
—
—
—
0-0020
0-0020
—
—
—
—
0-0175
0-0003
—
—
—
—
0-0090
0-0030
—
—
-_
—
0-00375
0-0002
—
—
—
—
0-0040
0-0004
—
—
—
—
0-0920
0-0003
—
—
—
—
0-0080
0-0080
—
—
—
—
0-0020
0-0050
—
—
0-0080
0-0020
—
—
0-0080
0-0005
—
—
0-0080
0-0030
—
—
__
_
0-0080
0-0060
—
—
_
0-0050
0-0045
—
—
—
0-0610
0-0960
—
—
_
—
0-0040
0-0020
—
102
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°51
Province
Mine
Copper
Silver
%
Gold
%
\
Observations
San Juan
Carmelita
1-254
0-774
—
—
—
—
0'446
—
—
—
—
0616
—
Rio-'a
L. Guillaume. . j
_
0-008
0-007
Dn. Diego., . . )
Potteno. .
5'38
0-176
__
— (Fuuliu)
8-115
—
3-508
0-006
3-794
0-009
_
3-858
0-0142
.
3-508
0-006
3-794
0-009
—
—
—
3-858
0-0142
—
—
—
6-629
—
—
—
—
8-696
—
Chilecito.
4-582
_
Salta
Trinidad .
0040
__
Dolores
0030
—
—
Santa Rosa
—
0-032
—
0-032
—
—
—
33-34
0-160
—
—
29-83
—
—
—
—
17-90
—
—
—
—
23-51
—
—
—
—
91-26
0-02
—
Native copper
0-120
—
—
—
46-90
—
—
—
—
49-27
—
—
—
—
38-15
—
• —
—
_
33-34
0-160
—
—
—
29-53
—
—
—
_
17-90
—
—
—
—
23-51
—
• — •
91-26
0-02
—
Native copper
—
o-ooo
0-0006
Auriferous sand
Mendoza
Descub r i d o r a
de San Carl os.
_
0-0002
Pyrites
—
0-08
—
o-ooo
000875
—
Chumbicha
54-53
0-517
0-005
San Luis
La Carolina. . . .
—
0-0069
Auriferous sand
—
0-00195
0-066
—
—
—
0-038
0-00162
—
—
0-169
—
—
—
—
0-398
—
—
0-238
—
—
—
_
0-350
—
0-113
j -
Rio Gallegos
Cordoba...
Zanja Pique
—
0-00245
1 0-0004
Auriferous sand
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 103
The foregoing tables numbers 47, 48, 4Q, 50, and 51, con-
tain assays made of samples of mineral which were pre-
sented by the owners of various mines in the provinces of La
Rioja, Catamarca, San Juan, Salta, Mendoza, San Luis, Cordo-
ba, etc. These determinations were made by Doctor J.J.J.
Kile, Director of the Laboratry in the National Government
Mint. Buenos Aires, and are very important as exhibiting the
yield which may be expected to be derived forn those mines.
CHAPTER IV
The Mining Province of La Rioja
This province may, in a general way, be taken to be situated
in a north western direction from the City of Buenos Aires. It
is bounded to the west by an irregular line which divides it
from the eastern limits of the province of San Juan; to the
south by the northern limits of the province of Cordoba, to
the east by a portion of the province of Tucuman and its
remaining eastern and northern limits by the south western
and southern boundary of the province of Catamarca.
This province extends over an area of 89,4Q8 square kilo-
metres.
It is known as one of the Andine provinces: the greater
portion of its area is covered by lofty mountain regions, divi-
ded into a series of chains with intervening narrow, deep and
dangerous gorges, difficult of traverse.
One of the most famous chains of mountains in this pro-
vince, is that known by the old name of Famatina, in various
sections of which the mines exist.
The silver mines are generally confined to certain dis-
tricts, known as Cerro Negro, Calderas, Tigre, and others of
lesser importance.
106 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Silver Mines of Cerro Negro
The mines in this district have, from time to time, attracted
much attention, and, for this reason, have become much noted
in history, arising from the fact that the "Santo Domingo"
mine, as we have already noticed in our chapter upon ancient
mining, was worked by the Indians who were subject to the
Incas. The native Indians did no more than explore on the
surface, but such works were continued by the Jesuits, and
after their expulsion by their successors the Aragoneses who
obtained great benefit from this mine, which circumstance
caused it to be considered the most celebrated of all the other
silver mines in this district.
After the time of the Aragoneses, and during the civil
wars which raged furiously, this mine was not exploited
except for short periods of time, separated by long intervals,
because, at that period, there was no security for life or pro-
perty, and when works were placed in this mine and large
quantities of native silver extracted, the mountain robbers
generally carried off the whole of it, leaving the miners to
escape with their lives as best they could.
The general mode of working consisted in sinking pits upon
the slope of the veins of mineral, and there is evidence proving
that, at that comparatively early period, enormous quantities of
native silver were extracted; but the works were not carried
to any considerable depth.
According to the information given to the writer by the
owner of this mine, the late Mr. Samuel Garcia, it would ap-
pear that in his father's time, silver was extracted from the
"Santo Domingo'" mine to the value of £ 320.000, in a compa-
ratively short space of time; but, due to the frequent robberies,
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 107
previously alluded to, not a third part of this amount reached
the hands of the owner of the mine. The chief mischief lay
with the managers of the mine who gave secret notice to the
robbers when a good quantity of silver mineral had been
extracted.
When times were more settled, other attempts were made
to work this mine upon a small scale, and although a compa-
ratively small amount of capital was employed, the results obtai-
ned were excellent: still, the ingrained love of robbery con-
tinued, bringing less profit to the owner than was expected,
and the operations were again suspended. In this condition
the mine continued for many years: the law of mines being
satisfied by an annual payment to the provincial government.
This is one of the few mines which has yielded native silver
in large masses assaying from 60 °/0 to 69 % of metal.
According to the best obtainable information, the thickness
of the principal vein of mineral in this mine is from 4 to 5 me-
tres, and the average, or ordinary class of mineral obtained
from it has yielded from 6 % to 9 % of silver.
The number of mineral veins extisting in this mine is remark-
able, for which reason it is considered to be the best in the
whole district: works of a formal nature have, however,
never been placed in the mine, but if a deep galliery were to
be commenced from the side of the mountain and continued
through the mine, no doubt the whole of the veins would be
intersected and exceedingly large results obtained, and
although silver is low in price, still, there is every reason for
supposing that great benefit would be derived. However, this
is a work which should be undertaken upon a proper system
of exploring and administration.
The mine "David", is a continuation of "Santo Domingo"
in a south easterly direction, and one of the principal veins
occurring in the former, runs through the latter, and is of the
108 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
same nature and quality. This mine has not, however, been
exploited in a formal or extensive manner, but sufficient work
has been done to prove that the mineral existing in it is suf-
ficiently rich, as has been proved by the mineral extracted
from it.
The mine "Purgatory", is a continuation of the "David",
and the same veins of mineral pass through it further towards
the south east.
The mine "Santa Teresa", is a continuation of the "Purgato-
ry", in a south east direction and has been worked to a consi-
derable extent. It has yielded exceedingly rich silver ores, but
it was impossible to obtain data referring to the quantity of
mineral extracted from it. The writer examined this mine on
various occasions and saw the mineral veins in various condi-
tions of richness. Some of the samples of mineral obtained
consisted of sulphide, native, and bromide of silver mixed
together, and the highest assay determination gave over 26%
of silver.
The analysis number, 5 in chapter N.° 3, was made from
mineral extracted from this mine.
It is situated in a valley or gorge at a much lower level
than "Santo Domingo", consequently, it would be an excel-
lent point from which to continue a galliery, in a north wes-
tern direction to the "Santo Domingo". All the veins could
then be intersected and the water drained from the entire
group of mines existing in the mountain, which has consi-
derable elevation.
The mine "Infierno", is a continuation of the "Santo Do-
mingo" to the north west, and is believed to contain the
same veins of mineral. Its productive quality has not been
tested, although good samples of mineral have been extracted
from it.
The mine "Chanarcillo", is a continuation of the "Infierno",
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 109
still further to north west, and as it is a new concession, the
mineral veins running through it have not been tested.
The mine "Transito", is situated in the neighbourhood of
"Santo Domingo", and although several veins of mineral
exist in it, still the mine has not been worked to any extent.
The mine "Rosario", is situated to the west of the southern
part of the mine "Santo Domingo". It belongs to Mr. Tre-
loar, who has made excavations on the inclination of the
vein to a depth of about 20 metres, and he has extracted
mineral contaning silver at the rate of from 1'16 % to 6 %.
On another occasion, mineral extracted assayed 8 % of silver.
At that period, however, it was found difficult to continue the
workings in the deep on account of the water which infil-
trated. The owner of the mine intended to drive a galliery
from the side of the mountain to intersect the vein and drain
the water.
The mine "Gloria'", is united with the "Rosario", and
contains the same veins of mineral, but this mine has not been
exploited.
The mine "Mercedes", is a continuation to the south east of
the mine "Transito", and the mine "San Lorenzo" is a conti-
nuation of the mine "Mercedes" in a south eastern direction.
At the surface, the mineral vein passing into this mine was in a
ferruginous condition and much native silver has been extracted
from it. The samples in the possession of the writer, extracted
from this mine, yielded at the rate of 2 %, 6 °/0, 11 % and
17 °/0 of silver. A galliery was commenced from the side of
the mountain to intersect the vein of mineral, and when it
arrived at a point where it should have intersected the vein,
it was found to be absent. It was considered that the vein of
mineral had been diplaced by a fault, but no search was made
for its rediscovery.
The mine "Cortadera" ', is situated to the north west of the
110 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
"Santo Domingo", and is celebrated for a continuous supply
of rich silver ores which it has yielded for several years, the
workings having been carried on upon two veins.
Samples of mineral obtained by the writer from this mine,
yielded at the rate of 2 %, 3 %, 7 °/0, 20 %, 30 % and 50 °/0
of silver. There is every reason to believe that one of the
veins of mineral existing in the ''Santo Domingo" passes
into the "Cortadera".
The mine "North Santo Domingo" may, in a certain
manner, be considered to be a continuation of the "Corta-
dera". It contains several veins of mineral; but the writer was
not able to obtain any samples of mineral from it.
The mine "Carmona" is an extension of the "North Santo
Domingo". The works placed in this mine were not con-
tinued more than a few feet in depth; but mineral of an
excellent quality was taken out of it.
The mine "Sofia", is an extension of the "Carmona", but
the veins of mineral contained in it have not been tested
more than a few metres in depth. It yielded silver ore
assaying 1'5 %.
Other mines exist in the neighbourhood of "Santo Do-
mingo", but the quality of the veins has not been proved.
The mountain in which the group of mines described is
situated, has considerable elevation, and from its highest
points, the inclination is very severe, so that there exists the
greatest facility for driving a gallery or galleries as previously
noted.
On the opposite side of the deep gorge, referred to above,
another mountain exists of less altitude, and in it there is
another group of silver mines; the most important are "Puer-
to", "Rosa", "Emma", "San Pedro del Puerto" and others.
The mine "San Pedro del Puerto", belongs to Mr. W.A.
Treloar, and, when the writer visited this district, a considera-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 111
ble quantity of mineral was extracted from it. The veins of
mineral in this mine are not so thick as those in "Santo Do-
mingo", previously described, according to documents in the
possession of the writer referring to the mining operations
carried on in this mine, and from its general yield, it appears
that the poorest mineral extracted assayed from 3'29 °/0 to
060 °/0 and 0'90 % of silver. The second class gave 1-05 %>
1'34 % and 1 '95% of silver, .and the third, or best class
2-04 %, 6-06 % and 7' 16 °/0 of silver. There were, however,
variations between those limits, because at different zones
in the mine, the silver ores were poorer or richer as the case
may be. Also, the weight of mineral corresponding to each
of the numerous assays, was always variable; the average
percentage yield, calculated upon the assay value without
taking into account the weight, would therefore give erroneous
results. The proportional weight of the richest silver ore
annually produced, is much less than that of the poorer
classes. However, taking into consideration the total weight
of mineral extracted within a given period, the general per-
centage yield was found to be at the rate of 1*009 °/0 of silver.
At a later period to that now referred to, poorer ores yielded
0-20 %, 0-58 °/0 and 0'98°/0; those of the middle class
1-02%, 1-28% and 1-90%; for the third or highest class
2-06%, 2-28% and 8'88 % of silver.
Nevertheless, for the whole weight of mineral extracted,
the percentage yield amounted to 0'990/0. More recently, the
yield was at the rate of 1*55 °/0 of silver. The last recorded
note, in the possession of the writer, referring to the produc-
tion of this mine, shows that the general percentage yield of
the whole of the mineral extracted, was at the rate of 2 63 %
of silver.
It is understood that since that period, mineral has been
extracted yielding 1'070'0, l-48°/0and 10'87°/0 of silver.
112 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
It was proved to the writer, that the benefit obtained from
the exploitation of this mine was at the rate of from 45 to
4Q °/0 upon the amount of capital employed.
It has been shown in a previous chapter, that the silver
mines in this district are not always in the same condition of
yield, and, as the workings in "San Pedro del Puerto", had
attained a considerable depth and was in its poorest condi-
tion when the writer visited it, the assay produce given cannot,
therefore, be taken to represent the percentage yield for
a series of years.
A great difficulty has been experienced in procuring mining
data, which would represent the condition of things over a
long period of time, which is much to be regretted.
When the writer examined the mine in question, it had a
depth of 80 metres, and he had the pleasure of extracting
from the vein of mineral some curiously formed samples of
native silver. Since that period, the owner has driven a galliery
cutting the vein at a depth of 125 metres from the surface. At
that depth, the vein consisted of ferruginous matter and quartz,
the former not having a thickness of more than 4 inches,
proving the theory previously advanced that it diminishes in
thickness with the depth, the quartz increasing.
The mine "Puerto" is situated at a short distance in a south
west direction from "San Pedro", and its exploitation was
carried on at intervals by Messrs. Almonacid, Gallup, Lanus
and Son. As was customary, the works were made upon the
inclination of the vein and reached to a considerable depth. It
has yielded a large quantity of mineral, and the samples collec-
ted by the writer from this mine, assayed 2 %, 35 %, 4'30 °/,,,
6 7o and 21 °/0 of silver respectively. The books kept by the
late Mr. Almonacid show that poorer mineral assayed 0*30 %,
0-54 % and 0'97 % of silver, the second class 1.21 °/0, 1-52 °/a
and l'Q2 °/0 of silver, and the third, or best, yielded 2*20 %,
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 113
3.03%, 16-6Q % and 20'50 % of silver. However, calculating
the total weight of the mineral extracted from this mine during
the whole year, corresponding to the various percentages, the
average yield was at the rate of 2'77 % °f silver. More re-
cently the inferior mineral assayed from 0-24 to 0.85 %, the
second from 1'08 % to 2'84 %, and the best, from 3.05 up to
21 and 85 °/0 of silver, but the average upon the whole weight
of mineral corresponding to various assays, was at the rate
of a little over 2 % silver.
The silver mines surrounding the group described, have
been exploited with similar results.
Not far from the "Santo Domingo", exists a historical mine
called " Vieuda", but, at the time of the visit of the writer, it was
closed and no correct details could be obtained referring to it.
The mine "Trinidad" has been located upon the same vein
of mineral as the "Vieuda", and was found in the same con-
dition.
The mine "San Andres", is also believed to be located upon
the continuation of the same vein of mineral which passes
through the " Vieuda", "Trinidad" and others, but it is situated
on the other side of the gorge which separates the mount-
ains in this neighbourhood. This mine was originally discovered
and worked by the Aragoneses, whose adventurous exploits
in this Republic have been given in the first chapter. It was
worked by means of inclined shafts, and a considerable quan-
tity of rich mineral was extracted from it consisting of chlori-
des bromides and native silver. Afterwards the veins of
mineral were intersected by a galliery driven in from the sides
of the mountain.
To the north west of the mine "San Andres", another group
of silver mines exists, situated in a part of the Cerro Negro,
called "Las Oredas". Some of these have been named "Cor-
azon de Jesus", "Star of the East", etc.
114 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Mineral extracted from these mines assayed from 4 to 25 °/0
of silver, the class generally consisting of chlorides and sul-
phides mixed with native silver in varying proportions. Other
poorer samples yielded at the rate of 1 °/o, 2'40 % and 3.20 °/0
of silver. The average produce, obtained from a large quantity
of mineral, was at the rate of 1 '10 % and 1*15 % of silver.
Another mine, "San Nicolas", was conceded upon the same
vein of mineral and has yielded at the rate of from 8 to
50 °/0 of silver; but there is no evidence to show how much
mineral has been extracted, nor the proportion of the classes.
The branch of the Cerro Negro, called "Cienaga", is situa-
ted a little distance to the south east from the mine "San An-
dres", and, in this small district, exist a group of silver mines
among which may be mentioned "San Zacarias", "/nglesa",
"Britania", "Veta del Sol", "Bella Union", "Buena Esperan-
za", "Victoria", etc., but these have not been exploited to any
great extent.
Samples of silver ore, extracted from some of them, yielded
1'70 °/0 and 8 °/0; but the average product was not known.
The celebrated mine "Peregrina", is situated at about 1,000
metres from "Santo Domingo", in the direction of south
5°22' west.
In the same locality several other important silver mines
exist.
The mine "Peregrina" has been worked to a considerable
depth and has yielded a large quantity of rich silver ore.
During the first period of its existence, the yield was at the
rate of 4.4 % of silver but, further in the deep, the yield was
1-80 % of silver. During a period of 10 years, the average per-
centage yield amounted to2!4 °/0 of silver; the richer ores rang-
ing as high as 12 °/0.
A small vein, or guide of silver ore, containing much native
gold, was discovered in this mine, but on extending the work-
ings it was lost, or cut off by a fault.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 115
Without the assistance of an exact geological and topogra-
phical map of this region, it is impossible to determine whether
the "Peregrina" veins of silver ore traverses the mountain
"Spiritu Santo", or not, but, from the direction of the last part
of the vein worked, it would appear to pass to the east of that
mountain.
Other silver and gold mines have been reported to exist in,
or near to the gorge in which the Casa Colorado,, or Red
House, is situated, one of which has been termed "Chocoy de
losjesuitas", but it has never been rediscovered.
Mineral District of the Tigre
According to the best maps of these regions, the central
part of this district contains the celebrated silver mine, "San
Miguel", which is situated to the west of "Santo Domin-
go". In the intermediate distance exist deep gorges and mount-
ain ramifications full of dangerous precipices.
"San Miguel" was considered of great importance, and has
been exploted with much benefit for many years, and the vein
of mineral of the same name has yielded much native silver,
almost pure metal, as also ruby silver, the quality of which has
been described in a former chapter.
The vein of mineral denominated "Atahualpa", also passes
into this mine. Samples of the mineral obtained from this
mine, in the possession of the writer, assayed at the rate of 1 %,
1-43% and 1'70 %. The best quality, 3'38 %, 13'06 and
23-71 °/o of silver.
Taking the proportion of the weight of mineral correspond-
ing to various assays, all the mineral extracted from this mine
averaged at the rate of 1*48 % of silver: several other mines
in the same neighbourhood have been exploited with various
results.
116 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Mining Districts of the Calderas
These districts are situated in a northern direction from the
Cerro Negro, and both of them have the form of a basin
surrounded by hills of considerable elevation.
The mule tract leading from the Cerro Negro district to
those of Calderas, is narrow, frequently rising and falling at
high angles, rendering the journey difficult and tedious.
However, the large quantity of rich silver ore extracted from
the mines in these districts has more tham compensated the
difficults of access and costly transport.
Various persons have worked these mines since the days
of the discoverers, i. a., the Aragoneses; but the most impor-
tant period of exploitation commenced when the mines were
purchased, in 1867, by the late Mr. Almonacid.
The average yield of these mines was, at that date, from
T13 °/0 to 1*46 % of silver. These mining districts have an
altitude of about 14.000 feet above sea level.
Some years since the writer examined the mines in question,
and obtained samples from the mine "Aragonesa", of which we
have been speaking. In continuing a galliery in this mine, the
upper works of which reached about 40 metres in height, an
old pit was found, called los chilenos, but in reality was one
of the pits which had been made by Juan Laita and Juan
Chavarria, the Aragoneses previously referred to. They worked
this mine in 1809-1810.
The mine "San Pedro", is of the same kind as the "Aragone-
sa" and was exploited by a galliery driven from the side of
the mountain. One of the principal veins was about 2
metres in thickness, with variations. Another vein of silver
ore, i. e., "Transito", intersects the "San Pedro" vein; but is
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
less in thickness, ranging from 20 centimetres to 1 metre. This
mine is believed to be the oldest in the districts, and the rate
of yield is variable in percentage.
Samples, extracted by the writer, assayed from 1'20 % up
to 60 °/0 of silver. It was impossible to discover the propor-
tion of each class of mineral extracted or the quantity, but
considering that the mine was worked for many years it
must have been considerable.
The mine " Esperanza" ', has been exploited, at intervals for
more than 25 years, to a depth of 160 metres from the sur-
face. It contains a very rich vein of silver ore, samples of which
have assayed 50 °/0 of silver with many variations.
It is not a thick vein, and contains a large proportion of
blende. The vein of mineral, Andacollo, crosses the principal
vein in this mine.
The mine "Blanca": Due to some obstacle in the mine, it
could not be examined when the writer visited this district; but
it would seem to contain two or three mineral veins from which
rich silver ores had been extracted.
Large samples of ore extracted from this mine, assayed at
the rate of 0'21 °/0 to 4'55 %: the average yield being at the
rate of 1'5Q °/0 of silver.
This is the only mine known in the district named to
have yielded native silver of a reddish colour, and which the
writer afterwards discovered contained nickel — see the analy-
sis N.° 1, chap. Ill — which was made from samples of silver
ores obtained from this mine.
At the present time only a few of the silver mines are being
exploited.
At the time of the visit of the writer, there existed 25 mines
of silver, 5 of gold and some others containing gold, silver
and copper; but neither of these were then under exploita-
tion. From reliable information, it would appear that the
118 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
mines of gold, silver and copper referred to were formerly
worked and considerable benefit realized.
The Mineral District of El Oro
This district is situated on the south western border of the
Cerro Negro, and has an elevation above the sea level of about
10,000 feet. No doubt the name of this district was derived
from the fact that the various veins of mineral in it contained
gold, or Oro as it is termed in Spanish. As previously indica-
ted, the Jesuits exploited some of the mines existing here, and
it is highly probable that the veins containing gold were indi-
cated to them by the Indians, who were the first exploiters.
The large excavations made upon the mineral veins,
which are still open, prove that these mines were worked to
a considerable extent at that remote period. At one time>
there were eleven concessions forming a group, divided by
a deep gorge, through which, in flood periods, torrents of
water rush with great violence. In modern times the ancient
works have been continued, and newer ones opened up
upon other veins and, according to the best evidence, a con-
siderable quantity of gold was extracted.
Mr. W. A. Treloar, who is a most practical pioneering
mining Engineer in the province of La Rioja, examined the
gold mines referred to upon several occasions, and was so
satisfied with their importance and value that he obtained
legal concessions. Afterwards he planted a small stamp mill,
other machinery and installations to test the mineral which
he had extracted from one of the mines, but the writer does
not possess any precise data referring to the quantity of mineral
treated, or the benefit received.
However, taking this as a basis, a London Company was
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
119
formed to exploit this group of gold mines, but before
extracting any mineral from the mines, or determining its
quality, purchased machinery, in a haphazard manner, to
the value of £ 30,000, without having first determined the
class of machinery necessary to treat the mineral. The result
was that although the machinery was introduced into the
Republic, still, it never reached the "El Oro" mining district.
All that the company did was to clean up some of the old
Jesuit working instead of driving a galliery from the foot of
the mountain to intersect the whole of the veins in the deep.
Naturally, other galleries could have been made upon the
veins themselves, and a continuous supply of mineral obtained
until the principal exploring galliery had been finished.
The management was defective, and the direction inade-
quate, consequently, a large sum of money was expended
without corresponding beneficial results. It is scarcely neces-
sary to note that the company abandoned the undertaking.
However, it is quite certain that the company never determ-
.ned whether the mines were good, bad or indifferent.
Nevertheless, the general opinion of various experienced
persons is that the mines possess great value.
The writer examined these mines on one occasion, and the
samples he collected assayed at the rate of 1'7 ozs. of gold
per ton. A few other samples, however, gave larger results.
The following table of assays (N.° 50) exhibits the results
obtained from a large sample of mineral extracted from some
of the mines under notice. They were made by the assayers
of the Bank of England and English Royal Mint:
120
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 50
CLASSIFICATION
N.° 1
N.° 2
N.° 3
N.° 4
Iron
329
38-3
23'2
26'3
Alumina
0'6
1-8
1-2
0'8
Copper.
0'3
1-6
I'O
Sulphur
2'9
29'2
3'9
5-5
Manganese
Silicious insoluble matter .
Gold, silver, water oxigen
and loss
49-8
13'8
traces
26-8
3*6
traces
59-0
11-1
traces
54-2
12-2
100'-
100--
100--
100--
Ozs.
Ozs.
Ozs.
Ozs.
Gold
2-200
1-000
1-100
1-100
Silver.
1-250
0-750
1-250
1-250
Doctor Kyle, of the National Government Mint, Buenos Aires,
made an assay of samples of this mineral which yielded at the
rate of 2'286 ozs. of gold per-ton. Other samples of mineral have
assayed at the rate of from 6 to 20 °/0 of copper, with a fair
quantity of gold and silver. This circumstance seems to indi-
cate that, at greater depth, a change of the nature of the veins
will occur, introducing a larger percentage of copper: this
does not imply that the gold and silver will diminish, but, on
the contrary, will increase.
The mineral forming the veins under consideration consist
of pyrites of iron, pyrites of copper, other classes of copper,
oligistic iron, quartz, baryta, etc.
No doubt these mines will again attract attention and, in the
case that a company be formed to exploit them, it is to be
hoped that a practical and adequate management will be in-
troduced.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 121
Mining District of the Yalle Hermoso
This mining district is situated on the western side of the
Famatina range of mountains, in the Department of Vinchi-
na, and mines containing various classes of mineral have been
discovered at various times. Some few of the mines have been
worked, such, for example, as the copper, silver and gold mi-
nes once exploited near to Jagiie: the nickel and copper mines
near to the same place, and copper silver and selenium mines
at Humango.
About two years since, veins of mineral containing gold, sil-
ver, nickel and cobalt, were discovered in this region, i. e., on
the western slope of the mountains joined to the elevated
range of Famatina. The mine "Reina Alejandria" was located
upon one of these veins, and workings were commenced under
the direction of Mr. O. S. Eriksson.
This gentleman states in his report, that great facilities were
offered for the exploitation of the mines by driving short ho-
rizontal gallieries from the side of the mountain to intersect the
veins of mineral. The workings are not very extensive, but it
is considered that the constancy of the body of the ore already
discovered would seem to indicate that the mine will be very
productive in the depth. The Engineer is sanguine that "some
day in the future it will take a place among the resources of
mineral wealth of this country". It is also gleaned from the sa-
me source, that the ore deposits in question "occur in a large
patch of talcose schist of several square miles extension, and
in contact with the acid igneous rocks of which the main body
of the mountain consist". It also appears that several veins
of mineral of the same class exist in the neighbourhood, and
that at certain points they are well defined at the surface
122 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
but as yet no work of importance has been done upon
them. The vein of mineral under exploitation bears north 60°
west dipping towards the north, and has a thickness of 90
centimetres. In course of working, the vein of mineral was
found to be displaced by faults; but its continuation was
soon rediscovered.
Considering that the exploitation of this mine has not been
conducted on a large scale, and that a considerable amount of
time was expended in making an installation and opening up,
the yield could not be expected to be large. However, about
300 tons of mineral have been extracted, 150 tons of which
were selected ores. The Engineer of the mines has classified
the mineral as Cobaltglance, mixed with arsenical pyrites in a
base of quartz.
Analysis of the first class of mineral gave the following re-
sults:
Cobalt, from. ... 6 to 7 °/0
Nickel "....'. 0-5 " 2'5 °/0
Gold " . . . . 25 " 30 grammes per ton
Silver " .... 150 " 300 " " "
And the second, or common ore, gave the following results:
Cobalt, from. ... 3'0 to 4'5 °/0
Nickel " . . . . 0-10 " 0'8
Gold " .... 10 "20 grammes per ton
Silver " .... 90 "180 " " "
It is stated that the distance from this mine, to the nearest
railway station's about 120 miles, the mineral being transpor-
ted by means of pack mules, which is costly and difficult,
amounting from £ 8 to £ 9 per ton delivered in Europe.
The Engineer believes, that by concentrating the mineral by
simple machinery, it may be brought up to a value of from
£ 25 to £ 30 per ton, leaving a large margin of profit.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 123
If such concentrates were to be reduced to regulus, the va-
lue per ton would still be augmented.
This region has not been much explored, but if it were in a
scientific and practical manner, no doubt many other rich veins
of mineral would be discovered.
CHAPTER V
Mines of Copper, Silver and Gold
In the Districts of the MEJICANA, OFIR, AMAPALLO and Others.
The districts enumerated in the above heading, are situated
almost contiguous to one another, each of which extends
over a considerable area yielding economic minerals of va-
rious classes of much importance and value.
The Mining District of The Mejicana
This district is situated at a considerable distance to the
north west of the Cerro Negro, and at an altitude of about
18,000 feet above sea level.
Considering that the copper, silver and gold mines of this
region have been exploited for many years with great
success, the district must be considered as one of the most
important copper regions in the province of La Rioja.
The highest point in the Mejicana district is the top of the
mountain called Espina, which has been estimated at 18,813
feet above sea level, but the writer has reason to believe that
its true height would be as much at 18,Q70 feet.
126 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The writer visited this district on several occasions, but
the wind was so strong that he found it impossible to
ascend this mountain. Its height was not, therefore, measured.
This mountain has a general bearing to the north east and
consists of various ramifications with lower levels.
The Mejicana mountains proper, in which the principal
mines of copper exist, lie to the north east of the ramifications
of the Espino. The rocks in this district belong to the inferior
part of the great Silurian period, and as may be supposed
intrusive dykes of porphry, trachyte, diorite, etc. exist.
Numerous mineral veins exist consisting of quartz, ferrugi-
nous matter mixed with metalliferous elements of different clas-
ses, and in varying proportions. One of these was discovered
near to the highest point of the Espino, and after some exa-
mination, an ancient gold mine was discovered upon the vein
referred to. This mine was reopened and yielded conside-
rable benefit.
In the Mejicana mountains proper and ramifications, there are
a large number of copper veins crossing one another in various
directions. In general, with the exception of the large masses
of Enargite, the copper mineral is of the same class as is
found in other parts of the world, with the difference that
in this district, the copper ores contain a large percentage of
gold and silver which, however, varies in different veins as
also in the same vein of mineral. This circumstance would
appear to depend more or less upon the presence of cross
veins. There also exist mineral veins yielding silver without
copper or gold, and others containing copper without gold or
silver, as also other containing only gold.
At the commencement, when mining was in its infancy,
some of the mines were worked from the surface to a small
depth for the gold and silver they contained; but, at certain
zones below the surface, the general character of the mi-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 127
neral changed, introducing other economic metalliferous
elements, with the gold, such as copper in various forms,
pyrites of iron, antimony, arsenic, etc., and, consequently, at
that period, great difficulty was encountered in the extraction
of the gold and silver by the rude modes of amalgamation
then employed. For this reason, and the civil wars which arose
to impede progress, the mines were abandoned for a consi-
derable time. Afterwards, the mines were conceded to others
who, for similar reasons, abandoned their enterprise.
After a considerable time had elapsed and peace was
restored, other attempts were made to exploit the mines and
transport the mineral to Chile, but the costs were too heavy
to allow of any benefit causing a complete stagnation of
mining operations. In this manner, the mines of this district
have passed from hand to hand during long intervals of time
until, ultimately, a few Argentines possessing greater advantages
and sagacity than their predecessors, reopened the copper
mines and transported the mineral by means of pack mules
two and a half days journey to an establishment of fundition
erected at a place called Tilimuque, situated at' a distance of
8 kilometres in an easterly direction from Chilecito. At this
establishment, the mineral was selected, calcined and reduced
in reverbatory furnaces to a poor regulus which was after-
wards subjected to other calcinations and reductions until
brought into a fit condition for the market.
The mine from which the principal quantity of copper ore
was supplied to the reduction works, was the celebrated
"Upulitngos", which previous to the time of my examination
and afterwards, was exploited with excellent results.
Some of the mines in this district have, according to the
best information attainable, yielded fabulous quantities of silver,
such as "San Francisco del Espino", in which an inmense
cavern was discovered full of native silver in a finely divided,
128 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
or powdery condition. This old mine yielded silver which, at
one time, was sold in the surrounding villages to the value
of £ 16'000. This curious deposit of silver ore appears to
have been extracted in a comparatively short space of time.
Afterwards the mine was sold for the sum of £ 6000, but as
the new owner did not possess any technical mining know-
ledge or courage to enable him to open the mine, it has re-
mained in an abandoned condition until recently.
Other mines in this district have yielded considerable quan-
tities of gold, which occurred in porous ferruginons quartz; but
further in the deep, the nature of the mineral veins changed,
introducing, with the gold, pyrites of copper and iron. Occa-
sionally, some small veins of gold have been known to occur
and run parallel with and sometimes in contact with the prin-
cipal veins of copper; but these guides, as they are generally
called, were not continuous. The larger or principal mineral
veins, however, always contain a considerable quantity of
gold and silver, independent of the guide veins noted above.
A large number of mines, containing copper, silver and gold
have been conceded from time to time by the provincial go-
vernment, but the majority of the persons who obtained them
did not possess sufficient capital to enter upon a bonafide ex-
ploitation. Such operations were reserved for modern times.
As previously noted, various classes of copper ores exist in
this district, such as grey copper, pyrites, green and blue car-
bonates of copper, enargite,famatinite, silicate of copper, etc.,
etc. A series of analyses have been given in chapter III.
The proportions of green and blue carbonate of copper
diminishes in depth, occuring generally in the small cavities
formed in the body of the mineral. The constituent parts of
enargite and famatinite have already been given in the
analysis numbers Q, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 respectively.
The proportions of the different classes of metalliferous mi-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
129
nerals which formed the copper veins, vary considerably, be-
cause the base elements present affect the produce of metal
extracted from the mineral and, for this reason, different parts
of the same vein will off er variations in richness.
The Mine Upulungos. Is one of the principal copper mines
in this district and has been worked to a considerable depth
yielding a large amount of copper ores containing gold and
silver.
The veins of copper range from Om20 to Im20c , but the
average may be taken from 70 to 80 centimetres. The principal
one runs in a nort east and south west direction, dipping
towards the north west, at least one other vein of mineral exists
in this mine.
In recent times, it would appear that the vein of mineral
"Verdiona" existing in the mine of that name, has been found
in the "Upulungos" and appears to have entered it in a north
western direction. The "Upulungos" has yielded copper ore
assaying from 35 to 45 °/0 , with many variations. Formerly
inferior ores were reserved at the mine.
The establisment of reduction at Tilimuque is situated
2 J/2 days journey by mule from the mine, and at this establish-
ment the ores are mixed in such a manner that they would as-
say from 12 to 15 °/0 of copper. In general such copper mineral
contains on an average 70 ounces of silver and 1*28 ounces
of gold per English ton, but the richness of the ore is variable.
A large sample of 937*5 tons of copper ore extracted from
the "Upulungos" yielded as follows:
Copper 15-458 °/0
Silver 66'2323 ounces per ton
Gold 1.239
Other samples of mineral yielded at the rate of 1'4 to 1'62
ounces of gold per ton.
In an ordinary way the mineral reduced to a regulus in re-
130 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
verbatory furnaces has yielded from 5'83 to 6'72 ounces of
gold per English ton, i. e., that the gold in the crude mineral
was concentrated in the regulus, in the proportion of about
from 60 to 65 % of copper.
The mine "Mellizas" is a continuation of the "Upulungos"
towards the south west and, consequently, the same vein of
copper ore occurs in it, but it is divided into two branches, the
thinner and poorer of which was exploited by the "Esperanza"
Company.
The mine "Bella Argentina", is a continuation of the "Mel-
lizas" further towards the south west, but there is no data to
hand referring to its exploitation.
The mine Compania, is joined to the north eastern limits of
the "Upulungos" and is located upon the same vein of mineral.
Another copper vein crosses from the " Verdiona" mine.
Considerable quantities of rich copper ores have been extrac-
ted from the "Compania".
The mine "Estrella" is a continuation of the "Compania",
more to the north east, but the writer has no knowledge of its
productive qualities.
The mine "Alicia", has been located further to the north
east, and is separated from the "Estrella" by an intervening
space, but it does not appear that any work has been done
in it.
The mine "Carmen del Valle" is supposed to be situated
upon the same vein of mineral as exists in the "Alicia" and
is in the same condition.
The mine "Verdiona", is situated towards the base of the
mountain, south of \hz" Upulungos", and is the central mine of
a large group of others surrounding it. This mine has been
exploited from time to time to a considerable depth, and a
large quantity of copper ore containing a high percentage of
gold and silver extracted. The writer possess samples of Enar-
gite from this mine containing visible clusters of native gold.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 131
It is believed that the workings from the "Campania" and
other mines have been continued into the "Verdiona".
On one occasion, a large sample or parcel of 178 tons of
copper ore was extracted from this mine which yielded at
the rate of 1076 ounces of silver, and 1060 ounces of gold
per English ton. Undoubtedly the "Verdiona" has been one
of the richest mines in this district.
The mine "Andueza" is situated to the south of the "Ver-
diona", and one of the veins of copper ore existing in the
latter passes into the former. No reliable information is at
hand referring to its exploitation.
The mine "Placilla", is situated to the west of the "Andueza";
but it has only been exploited to a small extent. It is,
however, affirmed that this mine has yielded and is capable of
yielding a large quantity of copper ores containing gold and
silver. This mine is surrounded to the north west by other
copper mines, and the mine "Atacama" joins the "Prectlla" to
the south western. The mine "Julio Roca" joins the south
western corner of the "Atacama" and has been located upon
veins of mineral bearing nearly due east and west.
The mine "Panzona" is located at some distance to the
south of the "Placilla".
The mine "Las Cuatro Mercedes" is situated a little to the
"South of the Compania" extending for the length of two con-
cessions southward, and part of its western limits is joined to
the " Verdiona" and "Andueza".
Another group of mines called "Maria Ester", "Hector",
"Pepita" and "Sara" has been located a little to the north of
the "Compania" extending four concessions in length north-
ward. Various other concessions of mines were also located
to the west and north west, and the workings made upon
these proved that they are rich in silver and gold.
Several other groups of mines of a similar character exist
132 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
in the Mejicana mountains, some of which are located to the
east of those last noticed; but considering that the economic
minerals contained in them are similar to those extracted from
the "Upulungos", no particular description of them is neces-
sary.
The mine "Santo Toribio", is located in a south eastern
direction from the "Upulungos", and when the workings in
this mine had reached a depth of 15 metres, it yielded copper
from 16 to 20 °/0 with from 48 to 78 ounces of silver and
1*75 ounces of gold per ton. Various assays, however, gave
different results.
The mine"D0s Hermanas", was conceded about 1847, and
it was located upon three parallel veins of mineral containing
a large quantity of gold. The mine is situated in a district at a
considerable distance in a northern direction from the "Upu-
lungos". In the older time this mine was worked to a depth
of 22 yards and yielded from 40 to 56 ounces of gold per ton.
Samples from the spoil banks have been assayed to yield
from 1 to 2 ounces of gold per ton.
The mine "Emperatriz de las Indias", is a continuation to
the south west of the "Dos Hermanas". The mine Glad-
stone is an extension of the "Emperatriz de las Indias", and
located upon the same veins.
The mine "Lord Beacons field''' is situated at a considerable
distance in a north east direction from the "Upulungos". It is
located upon two veins of mineral containing a considerable
quantity of gold. This vein of mineral passes into the mine
"Piedras Grandes" situated to the south east of "Lord
Beaconsfield" .
The mine "Piedras Grandes" has been worked to a con-
siderable depth, and its average produce was, at the least, of
from 3'6 to 4 ozs of gold per ton.
Various other concessions of mines have been located in
different localities in these districts.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 133
Not long since, a syndicate or Company was formed in
London, under the name of the "Famatina Development
Corporation Limited", and it has acquired an important group
of mines in the Mejicana mountain district. This company
commenced to develope their mines in a systematic manner
and soon afterwards employed 300 men.
Mr. W. Treloar had the goodness to inform the writer
that this company had in hand "at least 7 cross cuts going
in an eastern and western direction and had discovered seve-
ral new copper lodes. At that period, June 1903, there were
about 50 mines under exploitation" by the various companies
engaged in mining in this district. The writer has not, how-
ever, yet been able to obtain returns of the quantity of copper
ores raised by the various companies. It is however reported
that they "are doing well".
One of the companies referred to is that of Mr. Jaime Cibils
Buxareo, possessing another large group of copper mines in
this district. It is reported that a large quantity of copper ore
has been extracted from these mines and reduced at an esta-
blishment of fundition which this company possesses near
to Chilecito. It is also reported that this concern has been
turned into a limited liability company in London.
It may, therefore, be inferred that this new company will
initiate mining and smelting operations upon a large scale.
Mr. Victor Koch, a noted and exceedingly active mining
Engineer, formerly possessed important copper mines in this
district as also a reduction Establishment, and it is understood
that he is one of the representatives of a company for the
exploitation of the mines in question. Mr. Koch has exerted
himself to a large extent in directing the attention of foreign
capitalists to the advantages to be derived from mining in this
region.
There are no particular reports to hand referring to the
134 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
mining operations of the other companies: however, a map in
the possession of the writer, represents no less than 1 1 com-
panies, or representatives of companies, possessing mines in
this district.
From what has previously been said in this chapter, it may
be inferred that the older mines which have been under
exploitation for a considerable time in this district, would
always retain the same names and relative position one to
another; but such concessions of mines as have not been
worked have been subject to a change in name and, in some
cases, limits, depending upon necessity and caprice of the
persons who obtained the same mines in concession at diffe-
rent times as, also, under different names. For these reasons,
a plan of all the mines in the Mejicana district taken at one
period, would be likely to differ to a considerable extent from
what it would be after one of the changes noted.
The writer has examined several maps of this mining dis-
trict upon which the mines are shown; but there did not
exist any agreement between them. This circumstance shows
that they had been constructed at various epochs and pro-
bably for particular purposes. For the reasons assigned, some
of the undeveloped mines referred to in this chapter have
recently changed names and owners. However, for the pur-
pose of this work, the writer has preferred to retain the
names of the mines as they existed when he inspected the
district.
The Ophir Mining District.
This district is situated to the north west from the mine
"UpulungosF, and at no very great distance from it. The
title given to this locality indicates that the mineral veins
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 135
existing in the mines contain gold, and although the writer
visited this locality some years since, he could not obtain
samples of mineral and, consequently, from personal know-
ledge, he is unable to state what percentage of gold and
other metal could be obtained from the mineral.
However, the Engineer who came from London on behalf
of, or for the formation of the "Famatina Development Cor-
poration" would, one would suppose, have been satisfied
that the presence of gold in the mines in question was
sufficient to induce the company to acquire the mines in
this district. Recent reports indicate that the company has
placed some workings in these mines, but with what results is
not known.
The extension over which economic mineral lodes may
exist is not known, as far as the writer is aware, but it would
appear that this district is not a large one.
The following table represents some parcels of mineral
extracted from one of the mines in this district, with corres-
ponding assay produce.
N.°51
HEIGHT IN
GOLD
SILVER
COPPER
KILOS
Grammes
per ton
Grammes
per ton
Per Cent
2,580
445
209
207
518
440
7-00
7-50
872
214
608
7-90
1,647
933
112
144
604
589
7-50
7-10
1,045
434
112
226
494
608
6-50
5-85
605
270
732
6-45
1,588
1,725
188
194
570
637
6-80
8-40
136
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°52
WEIGHT IN
KILOS
GOLD
Grammes
per ton
SILVER
Grammes
per ton
COPPER
Per Cent
2,060
1,150
406
232
209
248
513
409
352
6-85
7-40
7-80
568
176
551
8-00
942
316
741
7-80
6Q2
194
770
8-20
1,714
480
228
407
836
980
7-00
6-80
The succeeding table exhibits similar elements as those
given above.
N.°53
WEIGHT IN
GOLD
SILVER
COPPER
KILOS
Grammes
Grammes
Per Cent
per ton
per ton
780
103
320
5-40
560
85
300
4-00
1,050
78
400
4-40
302
186
600
5'80
260
80
350
400
825
125
400
4-10
414
132
418
4-65
1,587
77
280
3-80
1,310
69
314
4-50
1,083
96
366
400
1,562
112
319
5-10
836
48
385
3-80
733
112
304
5-30
470
105
428
4-20
680
123
409
4-00
1,394
131
395
4-80
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 137
The weight of mineral shown in the last preceding tables
were extracted from one of the mines in 8 months.
The Mining District of Ampallao.
This district is situated to the north east of the Mejicana,
and has been explored to a small extent only, consequently
its limits have not been determined. In it exist various mineral
lodes running in various directions, and the composition of the
mineral consists generally of quartz mixed with blende, iron,
silver and gold. Some of these mines have been examined
in a superficial manner, and although some of them contain
galena, but little attention has been devoted to a formal
exploitation of the mines. This has partly resulted from the
fact that the mines in other districts were more accessible
and better known and, also, that up to the present time the
transport of poor minerals from distant regions by means
of pack mules could not be undertaken on account of its
slowness and high cost of this mode of conveyance.
In a certain sense the Ampallao mining district may be con-
sidered to be a continuation of the Mejicana mountains and,
consequently, it is possible that other and more important mi-
neral lodes may be discovered there.
At one time, there existed in this district, 1 1 concessions for
mines of silver and other metals; 7 for silver and iron; 8 for ga-
lena; 1 for gold and 2 for auriferous oxide of iron, and 1 for
silver and carbonate of iron.
Considering that the price of silver has been reduced to a
large extent, it is hardly likely that anyone would undertake
silver mining in this district. This is no reason, however, why
the district may not receive attention, for the reason that new
descoveries of other mines of commercial value may be dis-
covered.
138
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Bayos Mining District.
This exceedingly important mining district is situated be-
tween those of the Cerro Negro, Calderas, Tigre and Mejicana
districts. There existed 1 1 mines of copper, silver and gold in
it, some of which have been exploited and have yielded an
abundance of rich ores. In former times, the whole of these
mines could not be exploited for the want of sufficient capital,
and cheap and rapid transport; but this state of things has pas-
sed away and the present owner of these mines, Mr. W. Trel-
oar, has exploited one of them fo ra considerable time. The
principal lode is that of "San Pedro", and is reported to be 3 !/2
metres in thickness. The class of ore extracted from it is Enar-
gite mixed with sulphate and pyrites of copper, carrying a
large per centage of silver.
It would appear that the "Famatina Development Corpora-
tion Limited", has acquired some of the mines in this district
from Mr. Treloar, so that we have evidence from authorized
persons that these mines are exceedingly important and va-
luable.
About 20 distinct and well defined lodes or veins of copper
ore are known in this district, having a thickness of from 50
centimetres to 6 metres. Two of the mines conceded, i. e.,
"San Pedro" and "Cataltna", with the adits Victoria and Al-
bert are being exploited by Mr. W. A. Treloar. The following
table exhibits some of the quantities of mineral extracted with
the corresponding assays.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°54
139
Weight in
kilos
Per centage
of Copper
Silver, kill
20,000
21-55
4-310
10,147
23-90
2-425
9,853
23-90
2-354
4,301
10-40
•447
15,699
10-40
1-632
20,000
15-75
5-480
20,000
13-48
3-880
3,038
18-02
3-600
16,000
9-76
2'480
4,000
8-19
1-680
16,441
10-90
2-080
5,603
11-02
1-880
15,931
11-09
1-200
18,993
11-65
1-180
9,037
9-70
0-680
7,602
14-07
1-060
5,569
14-05
0-980
16,931
15-56
1-080
10,652
16-50
1-490
2,294
11-02
0-800
9,634
18-08
2-900
8,662
16-06
1-040
3,843
25-01
1-680
2,852
17-32
2-000
The following Table contains elements similar to the prece-
ding.
140
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.°55
Weight in
kilos
Per centage
of Copper
Silver, kilc
21-664
10-50
0-900
5-198
16-25
1-180
16-699
16-30
0-970
2-551
8-70
0-760
5-692
17-50
1-160
2-313
17-80
1-020
5-014
17-10
1-070
4-986
14-20
0-870
42-640
15-60
1-080
7-870
12-80
0-920
17-105
15-20
i-ooo
2-806
18-70
1-220
5-473
18-70
1-666
2-479
16-30
2-230
21-237
16-40
2-100
5-527
16-70
4-070
8-037
16-50
1-600
2-156
18-10
3-020
6-994
15-60
1-640
2-873
12-00
2-360
2-664
7-800
1-280
1-869
8-900
1-600
•378
8-300
2-110
3-501
9-20
1-780
The figures in the preceding tables speak for themselves
proving that these mines possess great comercial value.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 141
The Santa Rosa Mining District.
This district is situated at no very great distance from those
of the Calderas, and in it mines of copper exist; but the
workings placed in those mines do not appear to have been
very extensive. The writer does not possess any details refer-
ring to the number of mines existing in this district or of their
capacity of yield.
Gold Washing Districts.
The first of these is situated near to a place called La Escalera,
at a distance of about 4 leagues from the town of Famatina^
and Q leagues from that of Chilecito. Between the playa de
Los Ramblones and the river Achavil, about 25 concessions of
gold washing mines have been granted.
Generally they run in a north westerly direction from the
playa, but three of them have been colocated upon the bend
of the river Achavil, and these run in a north easterly direction.
These are called "Mariposa" numbers 1, 2 and 3. The river
Achavil, and another small stream or Acequia pass through the
mines "Mariposa" numbers 2 and 3, and it would appear that
these have been proved to a great extent, and the others, which
are situated at a longer distance from the river. It is reported that
the auriferous sand is very thick and that the bed rock has not
been reached; but there is no informatian to hand referring to
the yield obtained from these gold washings.
142 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Rio Blanco and Angulos Mining Districts.
Concessions of mines for gold washings and copper mines
have been obtained in the first named district and it is believed
that some work has been done in order to prove the quality
and yield of the mines. Of the last mentioned, no information
is possessed referring to the number of mines, quality or capa-
city of yield.
The Mazan Mining District.
This district is situated to the north east of Chilecito and, at
a distance of about 2 leagues from the frontier line of Cata-
marca. In a small stream at that place, tin ore has been found
and is apparently a new discovery; but there is no information
to hand referring to the quantity of ore extracted or to be ob-
tained.
The writer is aware that a deposit of tin ore in the form of
Casstterlte was discovered some years since in one of the
mountains not far from Tinogasta, in the province of Catamar-
ca, but after a few tons had been extracted the deposit is repor-
ted to have cut out, and could not be traced in the adjoining
rocks. The late brothers Tejerina resided at Copacabana, and
when the writer visited the family referred to, some years sin-
ce, he obtained the information cited above, as also some
beautiful samples of Cassiterite in crystals which had been
obtained from the deposit referred to.
Considering that the surface portion of mineral veins have
been much denuded, and the detached portins carried to low-
er levels, it is not so surprising that tin ore has been found in
the small stream at Mazan.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 143
There are various other places in the vast mountain regions
in the province of La Rioja, not thoroughly explored such, for
example, as Los Llanos, Cerro Nevado and its ramifications in
Famatina and other places. If, however, this were to be done in
a systematic manner it is highly probable that other important
mining districts would be discovered.
Information referring to the modes of transport will be found
in another portion of this work.
Recapitulation of the Best Known Mineral Districts.
Mejican and Ophir .... Copper, gold and silver mines.
Los Bayos and Jaguel ... •» » »
Cerro Negro, Calderas, Tigre
and Humango Silver mines.
Santa Rosa Copper mines.
El Oro and Rincon del Cobre Gold mines.
Mariposa, Rio Blanco and An-
gulos Gold washing mines.
Mazan (newly discovered) . Stream tin deposits.
Valley Hermoso Cobalt and nickel mines.
CHAPTER VI
Mines and Mining in The Province of Catamarca.
This province has an irregular form extending northwards
from that of Rioja and is situated between the latter, those of
Cordoba, Santiago del Estero, Tucuman and the national
territory of the Andes. It is limited to the west by part of the
frontier line of Chile, and has an area of 123,138 square kilo-
metres being 1'43 times larger than the province of the Rioja.
Its known mining districts are situated at long distances one
from another, and a proper development of the mines and
metallurgical industries of the larger portion of these districts
have suffered and been retarded to a considerable extent
consequent upon inadequate transport. However, this state of
things is rapidly disappearing in some parts of this province,
but a considerable amount of time must elapse before an ade-
quate railway service is provided in all parts of the low levels
and to the mining districts which are situated in elevated
mountains regions.
Some years since, the writer made an expedition into this
province starting from the town of Chilecito, in the province
of La Rioja, passing through the village of Famatina, Angulos,
146 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Campana, Copacabana, Tinogasta, El Puerto, Anillaco and
Medianito, arriving at the mines in the Hoyada district after
eight days journey on mule-back.
Between Campana and Copacabana, there exists an open
arid and fearfully hot camp during the summer season, the
effects of which was keenly felt by some of the companions
of the expedition and in one case caused an insolation.
Further towards the north, a second camp occurs, through
which it was necessary to pass and was found to be in a
most intolerably hot condition. The sub-soil consisted of a
fine dust of pumice many metres in depth, in which the heat
of a tropical climate had accumulated to an enormous extent;
the heat ascending from the sub-soil and descending from the
almost perpendicular rays of the sun, rendered travelling ex-
ceedingly wearysome, difficult and dangerous. At each step
of the mules, their hoofs sank into the pumice dust, thus
retarding the usual progress: in fact the heat was so grea
that the water carried in protected barreles on the pack mules
became so heated that it could not be employed for drinking
purposes. Fortunatey, after a constant ride of fourteen hourst
a beautiful mountain stream of water was found at the ex-
treme northern end of this terrible camp which is much fitter
for a picture in Dante than to occupy a place upon this
beautiful and fertile earth.
The writer has purposly dwelt upon the difficulties
encountered in this expedition for the object of guiding those
who may follow the same route, and to exhibit to them the
necessity of making a proper equipment before undertaking
such an expedition.
From the beautiful mountain stream noted above, the journey
lay through narrow defiles, mountain roads and deep gorges.
The heat experienced all along this route was almost insup-
portable. The last days journey brought to view a series of
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 147
large and elevated porphyritic ridges with various intrusive
dykes. In point of fact, the Hoyada district seems to be the
centre of extensive ancient volcanic action. In the elevated part
of one of these mountains, the writer observed a thin joint
in the porphry rocks in which metalliferous mineral had been
deposited. At a lower level, a small tunnel had been formed,
and at some 4 metres within the mass of rock, a vein of metal-
liferous mineral was found of considerable thickness and
richness. Some parts of it had a thickness of from 2 to 3
metres, with variations, and the workings carried on appear
to have yielded a considerable amount of gold, silver and
copper. Some of the workmen had incautiously extracted
the pillars, which had been left at a depth of 60 metres to sup-
port the roof, so that the mine was in a ruined condition when
the writer visited it.
The average yield of some samples, which he obtained
from some accessible portions of the mine assayed, from
1'8 °/0 to 14'6 °/0 of copper and as high as 800 ounces of silver
per ton.
The most celebrated mines in this district are those known
by the name of "Panchita", "Rosario", "Descubrtdora", etc.
The following brief description of a few of the mines of
this district is based upon notes taken during the visit of the
writer to this remote region.
At the mine "Andacollo", the barometer read 17'55 inches
and the thermometer 38° centigrade. The miners' ranches were
placed against a porphiry wall, the face of which bore south
25° west. The entrance to the mine "Andacollo" was situated
at about 200 metres to the nort east of the ranches and at the
surface the vein of mineral showed no more than 2 inches in
thickness, consisting of green and blue carbonate of copper.
The works in the mine were carried to a depth of 40 me-
tres, but the thickness of the vein of mineral at this point could
148 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
not be ascertained. A sample of 13 tons extracted from this
mine assayed at the rate of 10 °/0 of copper, with 218 ounces
of silver per ton, with some gold.
The mine "San Pedro". This mine was discovered in 1862
but the workings in it did not pass 20 metres in depth. The
vein of mineral, green carbonate of copper, did not exceed Q
inches in thickness, and one ton of mineral extracted from it
yielded 12 °/0 of copper and 143 ounces of silver per ton.
The mine "Panchita", is situated at no great distance from
"San Pedro". It could not be examined at a greater depth
than 100 feet, the passage downwards from this point having
been stopped by the fall of the roof. The vein of mineral ran
in the direction of north 35° east, with a dip of 48° towards
the south east. At the depth named the thickness of the payable
part of the vein had no more than 12 inches, but, at the deepest
point, it is said to have had a thickness of 0'75 centimetres. It
has yielded a considerable quantity of copper ore containing
a high percentage of silver. Samples obtained by the writer
yielded from 20 to 30 °/0 of copper with over 2000 ounces of
silver per ton. Doubtless this mine will prove very productive
in the depth.
The mine "Sacramento". This concession of a mine has
not been proved in depth, and the vein showed very poor
at the surface, consisting of patches of green carbonate of
copper mixed in a decomposed porphyritic rock. The mines
"San Roman", "San Bias", "Espino" and "Candelaria" were
found in a similar condition.
The mine "Rosario". This mine has already been referred
to. The works were commenced upon a vein of grey tufa be-
tween walls of porphry running in the direction of uorth 60°
east. This mine was examined to a depth of 60 metres, but the
passage downwards was impeded. Considerable quantities of
metalliferous mineral had been extracted from this mine. The
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 149
contents of the vein consisted of various classes including
polibacite; and when it was present with the other classes of
ores, the mass had a rate of yield of from 20 to 25 % of
silver. Other classes of ore yielded at the rate of 10 °/0 of
silver. The owner of the mine stated that Eukairite occurred
at a depth of 30 metres, where a general change occurred in
the nature of the vein and introduced a blackish mineral
which, when exposed to considerable heat, was converted into
silver. Assays of mineral obtained from this district have been
given in the II chapter.
The mine "Descubridora". The vein of mineral occurring
in this mine bears south 85° west with a dip of 70° northwards.
At the surface the mineral vein is very thick consisting of
white tufa in which the copper ore is distributed. At the depth
of from 3 to 4 metres, green and blue carbonates were en-
countered, and at a depth of 5 metres the vein of copper had a
thickness of 1 metres. The other parts of the vein consisted
of quartzite tufa and other elements. The vein extended to
a total thickness of from 4 to 5 metres, but it did not exist in
a very compact condition.
A considerable quantity of copper ores had been extracted
from the superficial part of this mine, but as the vein did
not yield more than 10 to 13 °/0 of copper and being poor
in silver, it was found that the cost of transport was too high
to permit of the exploitation of the mine. However, the miner-
al is in a good condition for smelting and the writer believes
that the copper ore will prove richer and be found in great
abundance in the deep.
The mine "ConcepciorP, is situated in the mountain of the
Volcano, and the vein of mineral in it is very similar to that in
the "Descubridora", but less in thickness.
Up to the present, the works placed in these mines have been
upon a small scale, with limited capital, and cannot be taken
150 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
to represent the produce of this district when it is thoroughly
explored, other mines discovered and a proper and economic
system of mining and transport have been introduced. The
writer believes that this mining district will prove of great im-
portance in the future.
The mountains of Famatina run into and through this pro-
vince, but are known under different names, and are divided
into various chains of great elevation, joined together by paral-
lel and lateral ridges, and extend over a considerable area.
These mountain regions are intersected at various places by
fertile valleys and passes.
In the whole of this distance, i. e., from the northern frontier
to the southern limits of the National Territory of the Andes,
veins of copper ore have been discovered in the different
districts, and the writer has examined samples of excellent
quality.
In the neighbourhood of San Francisco, a district situated to
the south east of the Hoyada, and near to the pass of that
name leading to Chile, exist various mines of copper.
From this pass, southward, there are other mountains to
the west of Fiambala, and in front of Retamos, they are known
to contain veins of copper ore, in fact not long since an old
Indian mine was discovered there containing a vein of car-
bonate of copper, samples of which yielded gold and silver.
These mountains also yield native copper, samples of which
were assayed and yielded also gold.
In the Cerro Negro, which is a continuation of the Famati-
na mountains, and situated at about 38 kilometres in a north
west direction from Tinogasta various copper veins have been
discovered,samples of which have yielded gold and silver, but
the mineral is ferruginous. Samples from these veins yielded
at the rate of from 10 to 18 % of copper, with silver from 170
to 300 ounces per ton. They have a thickness varying from 25
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 151
to 75 centimetres. It has been reported to the writer, on good
authority, that various veins of mineral rich in silver exist in
this mountain, but he has not examined any samples obtained
from such veins.
In a place called Portezuela de las Mtnas, situated near to
the northern frontier of La Rioja, and at about 1 '/2 days jour-
ney from Tinogasta, various copper veins exist high in percent-
age. In the same locality, a vein of argentiferous lead occurs
running parallel to those previously noted in a northern and
southern direction. The spoil banks in this locality lead to the
inference that the mines in question were exploited at a period
now out of memory; however, as recent as 1864, some of
them were again opened, but were soon abandoned because
the miners did not possess any practical mode for the support
of the walls of the mine which, apparently, were fragile, consis-
ting of decomposed slate and consequently fell in. These
mines were reported to be exceedingly rich in silver.
The farm of San Francisco is situated in the same mountain
region as the Cerro Portezuela delas Minas, previously noted,
and in that locality various thin veins of copper ore were dis-
covered. One of these was proved to a depth of 8 metres, but
the thinness of the vein was such as to prevent the continuance
of the working.
At a place called Potrero Grande, two days journey to the
west of Tinogasta, also exist various copper ore veins, but
there is no notice as to the quality.
Between Potrero Grande and San Francisco, the vein
of argentiferous lead existing there is 1 metre in thickness,
and yielded 70 °/0 of lead, and 36 ounces of silver per ton.
The writer procured samples from the mines in the neighbour-
hood of Potrero Grande and the farm of San Francisco, which
yielded 15 °/0 of copper and 400 ounces of silver per ton.
There are, also, various other districts in the western region
152 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of this province, where copper ores have been discovered, but
the whole of this territory has never been subjected to a scien-
tific and practical exploration by competent persons. If this
were to be done, no doubt many other important mines would
be discovered which, taken together with the existing veins of
copper ores and the known mines would, undoubtedly, yield
sufficient mineral to supply various small establishments of
fundition; but to render the mining and reduction establish-
ments, which may hereafter be introduced, profitable under-
takings more extended and cheaper modes of transport must
be provided for this section of the province.
The general inspection of the accessible mines in the dis-
tricts referred to having been finished, it was resolved to
continue the expedition to the north east of the province
where the important mines in the Cerro de Capillitas exist.
From Tinogasta the route lay through the old historical
town of Londres, now consisting of but a few scattered houses,
and the first days journey ended at that little paradise upon
earth, the town of Belen. The next day the journey was contin-
ued through a long and deep gorge down which rushed a
river at great velocity, emerging from this the route ran over
a long hot arid camp. The expedition had been accompanied
from Tinogasta by Doctor Guillermo Leguizamon, and at the
end of the second days journey we reached the estate of this
gentleman, whose family received us with every hospitality, in
Hualfin.
In the mountains surrounding this estate, exist a number of
mineral veins consisting of iron mixed with quartz, poor car-
bonate of copper with silver and gold. Small works have
been conducted upon some of these veins to a depth of 15
metres. It would appear that the principle object was the ex-
traction of a small quantity of gold contained in the mineral.
When the writer visited these mines, if they deserved the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
153
name, the works had been abandoned and the miners ranches
were in ruins. In the same Cerro, and at a place called Agua
de Onis, shallow pits had been formed upon some veins of
mineral honoured by the name of "Descubridora". The prin-
cipal vein consisted of ferruginous matter, decomposed quartz
containing a small quantity of gold. This vein had a thickness
of 33 inches. Another mine was also opened, the mineral ex-
tracted yielding about 90 ounces of silver per ton, with a
little gold. A third mine had been opened to 36 metres in
depth and, according to information received, the mineral
yielded 11 % of copper, 6 £ ounces of gold and Q4 ounces
of silver per ton.
Other mines had been located in the same neighbourhood
which yielded pyrites of copper and chloride of silver.
At the estate of Don Abel Rios, at Papa Chacra, about
6 leagues to the north of Hualfin, various veins of copper
ore exist, samples from which have yielded from 10 to 20 %
of copper with some gold and silver.
At a distance of about 2 leagues west of Papa Chacra, and
upon the estate of Don Vicente Abarza, and in a place called
Minas, various veins of copper, lead and silver exist.
The Cerro of Culumpajal is situated at a distance of abou
10 leagues to the north west from Hualfin, and, there, exist
various veins of quartz containing gold and it has been stated
that a large yield was obtained.
At another place called Corral Quemado, situated at a dis-
tance of 5 leagues from Hualfin, mines exist which were
worked for silver and gold; also, at a distance of 8 leagues
north of Hualfin, various other mines have been worked for
silver and gold.
The districts referred to, surrounding Hualfin, and others in
this section of the province, have never been explored in a
proper manner, and the writer is aware that there exists a large
154 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
number of mines of which no particular account could be ob-
tained.
However, samples of mineral from one of these, was in the
possession of doctor Leguizamon, and an examination of it
proved to the writer that it was exceedingly rich in silver.
The journey was again resumed by the expedition referred
to from Hnalfin, passing over hills, through deep valleys, hot
narrow gorges between the mountains, almost abandoned by
man and beast, arriving drenched from the effects of a tem-
pest, in the evening, at a poor isolated ranch, situated in the
narrow gorge of Vis- Vis. The accomodation offered within
this ranch was impossible owing to the vast number of vora-
cious insects of various kinds which infested its precints. We
were, therefore, obliged to, sleep in the open, under a leaning
roof. The tempest referred to continued during the whole of
the night, and as the outshed under which we attempted to
sleep had the water proof qualities of a riddle, we found our-
selves in a miserable condition in this dreadful refuge, so that
we were glad the next morning when the sun illuminated
this piece of desolation.
From this region, the journey to Andalgala lay in a north
eastern direction, but the mule track which we had to follow
had all the directions which could be found in the mariners
compass. After 2 or 3 hours ride from Vis-Vis, at a place
called Ampuyaco, and in a shattered place in the valley, we
were surprised by shouts in English from a man wearing a red
shirt "Are you English?", and as two of our party belonged to
that nation, we were welcomed to the encampment, where
we had the pleasure of meeting Lord Dormer, his secretary
and party. After a brief conversation, during which we dis-
covered that his Lordship was a celebrated Indian sportsman
and had made an expedition into this Republic for scientific
and sporting purposes, chocolate and biscuits were supplied,
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 155
and in this way we spent a very agreeable half hour. His
Lordship regretted that he could not break camp and pack
his extensive equipage in sufficient time to accompany us, but
promised to join us again at Andalgala. From this place the
mule track lead through difficult narrow passes and a succes-
sion of other hot valleys until we merged from the mountain
region into the great and unprotected camp which extends
for a long distance to Andalgala.
Lord Dormer soon arrived and we again had a very agree-
able conversation
We afterwards made an examination of the large establish-
ment of fundition situated at Pilciau, belonging to Mr. Samuel
Lafone Quevedo, and we organized a journey to the mount-
ains of Capillitas, where some of the most important copper
mines in this province exist. We found the mule track to be
similar to those in other mountains regions with some agree-
able exceptions.
The distance from El Fuerte de Andalgala is about 3 i lea-
gues running in a northern direction, and, under ordinary cir-
cumstances occupies H days in traversing it. After passing the
slightly inclined northern portion of the great camp of Andal-
gala, the first branches of the cerros were encountered and
the entrance to the mountain gorge appeared. At some dis-
tance from the entrance, here and there, were found large
groves of shady trees and flowering aromatic plants. The trees
consisted of algarrobos, talas and others with many climbing
plants forming innumerable festoons in various fantastic and
graceful forms. In one of these delicious shady places, groves
of verbena plants were growing to a height of 8 feet. The
higher regions were soon reached and after various ascensions
and descensions we passed over some of the ramifications
which form part of the great elevated and snow capped cerro
of Aconquija, and from this height we obtained a delightful
156 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
view of the green trees extending in the valley below through
which we had passed. As the journey continued, other gorges
and low mountain ranges were traversed until the Cerro of
Capillitas came in view.
The Cerro of Capillitas runs in a north eastern direction,
but it is separated to the north from the Cerro del Cajon by
the low level extensive camp of Santa Maria.
Like all other mountains in this part of the Republic, the
Cerro de Capillitas is divided into various ramifications, and
connecting gorges difficult of access.
The formation of this Cerro consists generally of gneiss,
granite, porphiry, trachyte and irac hytic porphry.
. Some of these intrusive deposits are in contact with the
gneiss and others with the granite.
In one of the elevated branches of this mountain, quartz
veins exist in various states of decomposition, and in some of
the detached masses, beautiful crystals of black turmaline were
found.
The Cerro of Capillitas extends over a very large area, and
in part of it a large number of copper mines exist, the ore from
which contains a large percentage of gold and silver.
The mine "Rcstauradora". This is one of the most impor-
tant mines in the district, and has been exploited for many years
by Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo & Company.
In the first chapter upon ancient mining, all that is known
about the old workers in this and other mines has been given.
On one occasion the writer examined the whole of the ac-
cessible parts of this mine, and from various measurements
taken of the thickness of the principal vein then in view, it
was proved to be very irregular, and some parts of it measured
from 2'5 to 4 feet in thickness. Considering, however, that va-
rious parts of the mine was in a dangerous condition, it could
not be examined, consequently, the average thickness of the
vein of copper ore was not determined.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 157
A very long gallery has been driven from the side of the
mountain to interest the vein of mineral exploited at higher le-
vels and, also, such others as may exist in the mine, and the
writer understands that at the time when Mr. Samuel Lafone
Quevedo directed the works, the gallery referred to cut a
very important and rich vein of mineral at its termination.
Samples of copper ore obtained from this vein, were present-
ed to the writer, and it assayed as much as 40 °/0 of copper,
with a large percentage of silver and gold. In fact, one of the
samples carried native gold which was clearly discernible
without a microscope.
Plans and sections of this mine were published by the wri-
ter in his large official work in 1888, to which reference can be
made for particulars as to the number of galleries which had
been driven in succession at different levels. This mine was
worked upon the best system of any in the Republic.
Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo commenced exploiting it in
1860, and the works have been continued for a series of years
by him, or, in point of fact, up to the time when it was recently
transferred to a London Company.
The writer was favoured by an inspection of the account
books kept at the mine, and from them he determined that from
1860 to 1888, the total amount of copper ore extracted from
the mine had been large.
The mineral extracted from this mine consisted of pyrites of
copper, grey copper, other classes mixed with pyrites of iron,
etc., in variable proportions. Sometimes, small quantities of
galena, blende and antimony were mixed with the copper ores,
but these elements did not occur frequently nor in large quan-
tities.
The following assays may be taken to represent the general
yield of the vein of mineral at the periods indicated:
158
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
TABLE N.° 1
YEAR
Percentage
Weight of mineral in quintals
1
1867
19-3 to 33'0
upon the quantity of 4686
?.
1869
16-0 " 28'0
" " " " 4040
3
1870
16'0 " 31'0
" " " "3070
4
1873
130 " 29'0
" " " "6904
5.
1886 .
13-4 " 29-2
" " " "3598
There were, however, variations, the ores assaying on some
occasions from 21 '9% to 25'6°/0 of copper, consequently it
is not to be expected that the mine would have yielded a less
percentage of metal after 1886. On the contrary, it is fair to
infer that some of the veins of mineral existing in this mine
would yield a higher percentage.
The copper mineral which has been founded at Pilciau, con-
tained pyrites of copper, pyrites of iron, grey copper, etc., etc.;
and was prepared in such a manner that the bulk would yield
from 11 to 15 °/0 of copper. The pyrites of copper, however,
in some cases, assayed from 13 to 18 °/0 of metal.
Those portions of the mineral vein which yielded galena,
pyrites and blende have assayed 9 % of copper, 60 % of lead,
and from 0-071 to Q'103 °/0 of silver. Other samples yielded
7-9 % of copper, 0'106 °/0 of silver and 27 % of lead; but this
class of mineral was not found in large quantities.
The assays of the ores have varied according to the condi-
tions of the mineral vein, and, for this reason, the average per-
centage of copper, silver and gold realised from a reduction
would naturally depend upon the proportional weight of each
class of crude ore, and the amount of brute elements present
in them. It is, therefore, necessary, and is, in fact, the custom
to select and mix the ores in such a manner as would give the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
159
best results, and such ores as contain a large percentage of
lead, some blend and but little silver ore, are as far as is pos-
sible, rejected.
A large sample of copper ores extracted from this mine
yielded the following elements:
TABLE N.° 2
CLASS OF MINERAL ^co'pper0*
^sU^r0' Percentofgdd
N.° 1
" 2
" 3
" 4
277
0-1050 0-0015
0-0810 00015
0-0885 00020
01055 0-0025
17-7
., 18'4
17'5
Totals. . . . 81-3 0-3800 , 0 0075
Average . . 20 325 0'0950 0'001875
The exact average, as before noted, depends upon circums-
tances.
A general analysis of all the elements contained in some of
the samples of ores obtained from the mine "Restauradora",
made in the laboratory at the establishment of Pilciau is as
follows:
TABLE N.° 3
N.° I N.° 2
Copper ....
34-170
10M69
2-180
2-145
0-482
5-598
1-692
3-180
0-149
0-006
23-604
11-37$
1-415
0-565
0-319
1-186
0-237
2-106
0-419
Copper
26-380
T015
19-025
0-373
2-824
0-420
0-273
0-115
o-ooi
33-438
7-334
0665
0233
1-036
0-401
0-337
0-249
5-752
Carbonate of copper. Malachite .
Oxide of copper . . ( Sulphate of
Sulphuric acid. . .1 copper .
Water
Carbonate of copper. Malachite.
Iron
Hidrated oxide of iron. . . .
Iron
Zinc .....
Lead . . .
Lead
Silver
Silver
.
Gold
Gold
Sulphur ....
Arsenic ....
Antimony. . . .
Sulphuric acid . ...
Carbonate of lime.
Carbonate of lime ....
Carbonate of magnesia ....
Potash
Carbonate of magnesia. . . .
Potash
Soda
Soda . .
Quartz
Quartz
Bismuth in small quantity . . .
99871
100-000
160 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Reference has already been made to a rich vein of mineral
which was found at the termination of the drainage gallery,
which had been driven from a low level point into the mine;
and Mr. S. Lafone Quevedo has been good enough to supply
the following data. The vein of mineral alluded to above, was
found at a point 2159 yards distance from the entrance of the
drainage galliery or adit, and it had a bearing north 70° west
and south 70° east from the junction of the galliery. At this
point the copper vein had a thickness of 3 yards of solid
ore which continued for a horizontal distance of 40 yards
towards the west; but, at that point, the thickness of the vein
decreased to 6 feet, still, further to the west, the v,ein had a
thickness of 27 inches, and continued so for 10 yards. The
ore consisted of grey copper, black oxide and pyrites of cop-
per, containing a large quantity of silver and gold: in fact, the
native gold could be seen in the ore without the aid of a
microscope.
The rocks crossed by the vein of mineral were trachytes
and granites to the west.
It would appear that similar conditions existed in the supe-
rior levels of the mine. The two walls of the copper ore veins,
towards the north, consisted of granite, but towards the south
they were trachyte.
In the higher parts of this mine, a proportion of enargite,
and another class which the miners call steely metal, or
K.upher glance, copper sulphides, and carbonates existed; but at
lower depths these classes, especially the carbonates, dimi-
nish in quantity.
It is very important to note that at the depth of 300 yards,
copper ores of a richer quality ocurred than at higher levels.
The ores contained in the vein which we have described
assayed from 30 to 50 % of copper, 2 ounces of silver per
ton, with much native gold.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 161
Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo, informed the writer, recently
that other and later assays have given from 15 % to 18 % of
copper, and 30 grammes of gold per ton. Also, that the
pits made from the level of the adit, to intersect the lode,
were suspended on account of the water which infiltrated,
and which he had no means to keep out. The copper ore in
the floor of the tunnel remained untouched.
It would be exceedingly interesting, as also important, to
discover how this vein of copper ore would present itself in
the deep. If the ore should be found to be abundant, as most
likely it will, it would form an excellent case of precedence by
which to judge of the probable depth at which it would
be likely to find new veins of copper ore in other neighbouring
mines.
The long drainage level, or gallery, which has been driven
into this mine is the best which exists in this Republic, and is
a very important work for the reason that if it were to be pro-
longed, the veins of mineral in other mines would he inter-
sected, and greater facilites offered for their cheaper exploi-
tation. It ts, also, highly probable that various new veins of
copper ore would be discovered.
The mine "Santa Clara". This mine is situated at the side
of the "Restauradort?\ already described, and a gallery has
been opened upon the vein of copper in it, by means of
which a perpendicular depth of 73 yards is gained below the
entrance gallery in the mine "Grande", which is a continuation
of the "Santa Clara". Both these mines are, therefore, in a
good condition to be exploited; but, as previously suggested
when referring to the gallery in the "Restauradora" mine, the
vein Santa Clara could be commanded by it. At the surface,
the writer examined a small portion of the Restauradora vein
which crossed that of the Santa Clara near to the entrance of
an old adit, but it was very thin and consisted for the most
162 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
part of green and blue carbonates. It is possible that this thin
vein of mineral, or a branch of it, would, probably, form a
single vein in the deep. This circumstance is sufficiently inte-
resting to form the basis of a prolonged study which would
aid in the solution of various other important problems refer-
ring to the mines existing in this district.
The vein of copper ore in the mine "Santa Clara", and in
the "Grande", seem to run almost due east and west, but
from the adit in the gallery the vein would appear to change
in direction and dip.
It is the general belief that the vein of mineral in the mine
"25 de Mayo" crosses to the vein of mineral in the "Grande",
and then runs parallel with it. It can, therefore, safely be
assumed that this is the reason why the vein of mineral in the
"Grande" has such an immense thickness.
At the depth of 24 yards below the old adit, the mineral
zone contains sulphides. Both in the "Grande" and "Santa
Clara"; the vein of mineral is very constant, and, without doubt,
would prove as important in the depth as that in the "Restau-
radora".
In the "Santa Clara", the mineral generally consists of grey
copper mixed with pyrites and carbonates of copper. When
the mineral is poor in copper, there is a mixture of galena
and blende, but this is not a frequent occurrence, neither has
it any great extension. It must, however, be observed that
the richest deposit of ore is found more towards the west, at
a distance of 133 yards from the entrance of the adit, where,
for a distance of 28 yards, the vein showed a thickness of
49 !/2 inches of nearly pure grey copper, but mixed in some
places with a small quantity of pyrites of copper, containing
a large percentage of silver and some gold.
The southern wall of the vein consists of decomposed
granite but the northern wall is more compact. The workings
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 163
in "Santa Clara", have been carried to a depth of 20 yards
below the adit.
The greater part of the mineral extracted from the "Grande",
or that part called by the miners the cold zone, consisted
of red and black oxides of copper, mixed with green and
blue carbonates carrying silver. Nevertheless, grey and pyrites
of copper were found in the central part of the vein. In this
form, the copper ores generally occurred in the mine "Gran-
de", in smaller or larger quantities, from the surface to a depth
of 46 yards, from which point commenced a new zone of
mineral in which the carbonates gave place to a larger pro-
portion of grey copper, black oxides and pyrites of copper.
The vein of mineral at this depth contained some quartz,
magnesia and iron pyrites, and had a thickness of 2ft. 7 inches.
However, that part of the vein containing the richest copper
ore, had a thickness of 22 inches. Considering, however, the
nature and particular occurrence of these veins of copper
ores, it is highly probable that at a greater depth the rich
mineral would fill the whole space between the walls. This
seems to be proved from the variable nature of metalliferous
veins in general, and from the fact that, on one occasion, in
one of the superior or upper parts of the vein of mineral, the
richest part had a thickness of 4Q inches for a horizontal
distance of 40 yards. There also exists in different parts of
the principal vein branches of copper pyrites with others of
quartz, which together form a vein with a total thickness of
more than 6 yards; but these conditions occur more to the
west where the vein presents itself in a more regular form.
Some of the copper ores extracted from this mine have
been assayed and the elements determined as follows.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
TABLE N.° 4
Weight of
% of copper in % of silver in
CLASS ur MIINHKAL.
mineral
brute mineral
brute mineral
1
132
44-Q
0'058
2
170
27-3
0-053
3
138
29-1
0-074
4
18
23-3
0-560
5.
80
21-8
0-340
The five samples of mineral in table 4 amounted to a total
weight of 538 Spanish quintals of 100 pounds each, and from
this crude mineral 167*46 quintals of fine copper were
obtained, or at the rate of 3'21 crude mineral to 1 of fine
copper, or 31.1 °/0.
TABLE N.° 5
CLASS OF MINERAL
Weight of same
% of copper in
brute mineral
% of silver in
brute mineral
1
98
32'7
0-045
2
192
27'9
0-054
3
126
27'9
0-054
4
70
27'5
0044
5.
104
25-4
0-057
A somewhat poorer ore extracted from the mine "Santa
Clara" and "Grande", amounting to 590 quintals, were found-
ed in the Establishment at Pilciau and yielded 169'93 quintals
of fine copper or in the proportion of 3*47 to 1, or at the rate
of 28'80 °/0 of crude mineral treated.
The mine "Grande" has yielded mineral which assayed
32-77 °/0 of copper and 0*047 °/0 of silver with a little gold;
but it is evident that these proportions would vary according
to circumstances.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
165
On one occasion, 21,975 quintals of copper ore were
extracted from the mine "Grande", but an analysis of it
could not be procured.
Parcels of copper reduced from mineral which had been
extracted from the mines "Santa Clara" and "Grande"
formerly realized 13s/3d per unit, and from 50 to 50 Vd per
ounce of silver, but this occurred previous to the great
reduction in the value of silver; however, it is useful as a
comparison to present prices, and we shall refer to it more
fully when treating upon metallurgy.
The mine "Isabel" is situated at a distance of about 275
yards to the north west from the "Grande". The vein of
mineral in this mine runs in the direction of north 80° south,
and consequently it is expected to cross the vein in the
"Grande".
Some workings have been carried on in this mine, but
there is no evidence when it was done, or by whom. The ore
consisted of carbonates of copper, and samples obtained
from a deposit, which was found at the surface, assayed from
10 to 12 °/0 of copper, and from 160 to 470 ounces of silver
per ton.
This vein of mineral is, according to the best evidence,
similar in quality to that in the surface part of the "Grande",
i. e., it contained much peroxide of iron.
The mines "Bertolina" and "Dolores", are continuations
of the "Grande"; the same vein of mineral runs through them,
and small workings have been made.
One of the branches of the vein of mineral in these mines
shows a thickness of 80 centimetres, but it contains iron,
which indicates that good copper ores will be discovered in
the deep.
The mine "25 de Mayo", is situated to the south east of the
"Grande" and joins it, as also to the south west limits of the
166 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
"Rosario" mine. At the surface the vein of mineral consisted
principally of iron, ranging from 40 to 60 centimetres in
thickness. This vein has not been proved to any extent.
The mine "Rosario". A part of this mine is joined to the
"Restauradora" and "25 de Mayo", and there is evidence to
prove that a large quantity of good copper ores has been
taken out of it. From the point where the "25 de Mayo" joins
the vein in the "Rosario", ores have been extracted yielding a
large quantity of silver, and, it is reported, that the copper
ores occurred in such abundance that 300 men were
employed in the mine at one time. The principal vein of
mineral in this mine has been exploited to a depth of 250
yards, measured upon the inclination of the vein. The thickness
of the vein varied from 8 to 32 inches, and extended horizon-
tally for a distance of 75 yards, and to a considerable depth.
The mine "Catamarquena". This mine is situated to the
west of the "Rosario", and the mineral vein occurring in it is
mixed with carbonate and sulphide of copper.
The works carried on in it were upon a limited scale, but
according to historical evidence, the copper ores contained
160 ounces of silver per ton. Samples taken from the spoil-
bank assayed at the rate of Q ounces of silver per ton.
At the surface, the copper veins showed a thickness of 30
centimetres, but when the writer visited this district the mine
was closed and the thickness of the copper vein in the depth
could not be ascertained.
The mine "Luisita" is a continuation of the "Catamarque-
iia", and the vein of mineral existing in it would, doubtless,
have similar conditions. Both these mines have been located
upon a gneisic formation.
The mines "Clementina" and "Laura" . These mines are
situated to the east of the "Rosario" and it is believed that the
same vein of mineral runs from the latter through the former.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
167
The mines "Petrona", "Ernesto" and "Salvador a" are
prolongations of the "Clementina''' and "Laura".
The mine "Salvadora" was at first exploited by an adit
driven in from the side of the mountain. The vein of copper
ore runs in a western and eastern direction, with some varia-
tions, and inclining towards the south. The ores extracted
from this mine consisted of grey, and black oxides of copper,
but a change in the class of ores occurred at a depth of 20
perpendicular yards from the surface.
The mine "Carmelita" is situated to the east of "Rosario",
and it is believed that the principal copper vein in the latter
passed into the former.
In the high parts of the mountains in this district, exists a
place called "Pan de Azucar", the highest points surrounding
which is formed of trachyte. A gallery has been driven from
the side of the mountain for a length of 226 metres, in the
direction of north 55° west, to intersect a vein of mineral
which seemed to run in the direction of south 62° west. The
gallery or adit referred to, is called "Porteno", and from the
works carried on in it upwards, it is understood that old
workings were discovered.
At the time of the inspection of the "Carmelita" copper ore
had not been reached; but the evidence to hand proves that
afterwards the vein was found and that its thickness varied
from 20 to 120 centimetres. The class of mineral contained
in the vein consisted of grey and pyrites of copper, mixed
with galena, pyrites of iron and sometimes a little blende. The
body of the mineral vein contained quartz and ferruginous
elements.
Experienced miners in this district, are divided in opinion as
to whether the vein of copper ore discovered by the adit
Porteno, is identical with the "Carmelita" or the "Restaura-
dora", the vein of mineral in which appears to run in that
direction.
168 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
All such problems would, however, be definitely settled if
proper instrumental surveys were to be made of this district,
and, from the data thus obtained construct accurate plans
and sections.
However, on account of the difficulty occasioned by the
awkward topographical features of this mountain region, and
the trouble and expense attending it, such practical and
scientific determinations would appear to be a work of the
future.
More recent information indicates that the workings carried
on in the adit Porteno, have occassioned the descovery of
two other important copper lodes. This adit is important
because, by its means, all the mineral veins above its level
could be drained, and also, if it were to be continued it is
highly probable that various other copper lodes of importance
would be descovered.
The mine ''Maximo", is situated to the south east of the
mine "Carmen", and no doubt exists under the same condi-
tions. The southern and south western parts of it is upon
a formation of porphyritic and trachytic rocks.
The mine "Elvira", is located to the south of the "Rosario",
and when inspected had not been exploited, but it is almost
certain that the rich mineral vein containing gold, silver and
copper, existing in the mine "Argentina", will run into the
"Elvira" and, probably, il will turn out to be a rich mine.
The vein of mineral in the mine "Argentina" is likely, also
to pass through the southern extremity of the "Rosario", and,
if continued would be found in the mines "Laura", "Petrona"
and "Ernesto".
The mine "Argentina" has been previously referred to as
having a very rich vein of mineral. It bears nearly east and
west, inclining towards the south. The mine has been located
upon a formation of decomposed granite, but there has been
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 16Q
two or more pits made upon the vein to a depth of about 14
metres. When the writer visited this district, the lower part
of this mine was full of water, but samples of mineral were
procured near to the entrance, and the assays made proved
that the mineral was very rich in copper, silver and gold.
Some years previous, this mine had been exploited with
excellent results. At the depht of 15 metres, the vein consisted
of grey copper, pyrites of copper mixed with peroxide of
iron, galena and quartz. It is the same class of mineral at
the surface as that found in the mine "Mejicana".
Some of the samples of mineral, obtained from the upper
part of the "Argentina", assayed 170 ounces of silver and 2
ounces of gold per ton, but a better class ore from the same
mine yielded 340 ounces of silver and 2 !/2 ounces of gold
. per ton.
The "Mejicana", is a mine which may be considered
to be continuation of the "Argentina", and the vein of mineral
passing through it may be seen in a well defined condition at
the surface, and consists of peroxide of iron mixed with
quartz, with here and there small patches of carbonate of
copper. Samples obtained from this vein yielded from 80 to
360 ounces of silver per ton. The thickness of the vein is, in
places, as much as Q feet. An adit has been driven upon,
and in the direction of the vein for a distance of 320 yards
and, at this level, was of the same quality as described. As
was the case in the mine "Argentina" , so is that in the
"Mejicana" \. e.; it may be expected that the ores will change
and become richer in the deep.
The mines "Louisa", "Arturo" and "Albert", have been
located on the same vein of mineral as the "Mejicana", and
possess the same conditions.
Other veins of mineral exist in the mines mentioned, and
run almost parallel with the one coming from the "Mejicana".
They contain peroxide of iron and pyrites.
170 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The mine "Ortiz". This important mine is situated to the
north of the "Restauradora", and in an elevated part of the
cerro of the same name. The vein of mineral runs from the
north west to the south east. The surrounding rocks consist of
granite, and the copper vein in it is very irregular, but a large
quantity of excellent ore has been extracted from it. It con-
sists of red oxide and carbonate of copper, of high percen-
tage. There are several other mines situated to the east of the
"Restauradora", one of which is named "Banderita".
Towards the south of the adit driven into the "Salvadora", a
mine called "Tucuman" is situated. It also bears southward
of "Argentina", " Mejicana" and "Louisa". In this district
various veins of galena exist, and some little workings have
been made upon them. The veins of mineral in this locality
have been traversed by eruptive dykes, as is also the case
with the vein of mineral in the mine "Ortiz". The dyke in
question consists of trachyte, and is 9 feet thick. This dyke
also passes through the vein of mineral in the mine "Isabela".
The nature and conformation of this dyke leads one to
believe that the copper vein is of more recent formation than
the dyke.
A large number of veins of quartz, and other classes, are
found destributed through the mountains of Capillitas, and
some of these have been tested upon a small scale, which,
however, was not sufficient to determine whether such veins
of mineral were of value in the depth or not.
The District of Atajo
This district is situated at a distance of about three leagues
in a north west direction from Capillitas. The formation of the
rocks in that locality consists, for the most part, of decomposed
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 171
trachyte mixed with quartz in which there exists a net work
of thin veins of peroxide of iron and quartz, which nearly
always contain small veins of native gold. These mines were
proved to a small extent in 1878, 1879 and 1880, and some
samples of mineral were extracted which contained a large
amount of native gold; but it does not appear that any large
quantity of ore, containing gold, was extracted from the
mines.
The vein of mineral which traverses the mine called "Maria
Eugenia", runs in a north east and south west direction,
inclining towards the south, and it has a thickness of from
1 to 1 '/2 yards.
Sometimes such veins are divided into other smaller ones
in a very irregular form. When copper occurs in these veins
it consists of grey copper and pyrites mixed with quartz.
These mines, however, were not thoroughly explored, much,
less worked in the deep at the dates given above.
At a distance of about a league to the west of the mine
"Maria Eugenia", noted above, exists a mine called "Des-
cubridora", which contains a mineral vein yielding copper
and silver of high percentage. The direction of the vein is
from north west to south east, inclining towards the north
and has a thickness of 24 inches, and samples obtained
from it have assayed at the rate of 60 ounces of silver and 1
ounce of gold per ton. At the surface, the vein of ore was
mixed with porous quartz, with patches of green carbonate
of copper and some galena. The walls of the mine consisted
of compact granite, and one of the veins of mineral first
discovered and traversing it yielded at the rate of 120 ounces
of silver and 3*5 ounces of gold per ton.
Up to the 14th. May, 1902, there only existed a single
concession or application for a mine of copper in this district
upon the provincial Government Register. More recently,
172 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
however, all the mines of value in this district have been
taken up.
The mine "Ana Maria", situated to the south of the place
called Portezuela del Abra del Cerro Bayo, mineral district of
Atajo, is being worked by Mr. Antonio Moller.
He has extracted copper ores from this mine which yielded
the following elements.
Copper 26-0 %
Gold 40 Srammes j per ton
Silver 12 ounces )
Workings have only been commenced upon a small scale,
but the mine promises to yield an abundance of copper ore.
Other similar mines are situated close to those belonging
to the Capillitas Copper Company Limited, London. One of
these belong to Messrs. Angel Maza and A. Barros. It would,
however, seem that this is rather a Cateo, or exploration field,
than a simple mine. A considerable amount of exploring has
been done upon it.
It would, also, appear that many old workings made by the
Indians and Spanish exist within the area described.
There are also the remains of old walls, grinding machines,
and gold washings found upon or within the limits of this
exploration area, proving that mining operations must have
been carried on in ancient times to a considerable extent.
It is interesting to note that the ruins of an old church also
exists upon the same land, which would seem to prove that
some of the mines were worked during the Jesuit period.
In the centre of the exploring area noted, several veins of
mineral have been discovered, some of which are almost in a
virgin condition. Others, however, have been proved by the
owners.
The most important lode in the series is the uCatamarquend'\
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 173
upon which an inclined pit has been sunk, and it is reported
that it has a thickness of 15 metres, in which there exist various
small bands containing copper, gold and silver.
So encouraging was the yield that the owners commenced
an adit at a deeper level and believed that the lode would
be intersected at a distance of 35 metres, from the entrance of
the adit.
To the north of the mine in question, exists another old gold
mine with the remains of gold washings. The mine is called
the "Antigua", and contanis two lodes, one of gold ore 70
centimetres in thickness, and the other of copper ore also 70
centimetres in thickness.
Between the "Catamarqueiia and "La Antigua", exists
another lode containing copper, gold and silver. An inclined
shaft has been sunk upon it to a depth of 15 metres, at which
point its thickness was proved to be 80 centimetres.
Various other lodes, containing copper, gold and silver in
this district, have been worked by the Indians and Spaniards
to a depth of from 5 to 20 metres.
The exploring area we have described, and in which so
many lodes exist, is the centre of a very extensive mining
region which, undoubtedly, will prove of great importance in
the future.
Another serie of mines occur in the Cerro Colorado, in the
same district as that mentioned above, but the writer posses-
ses no special details in reference to them.
As may be seen by the previous description, that much
attention is now directed to the Atajo mining district, and it is
believed that those mines will be taken over, with others, by
a syndicate with a view of forming a company for their
exploitation.
Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo, to whom the writer is obliged
for much information referring to this district says: "The Ata-
174 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
jo ores are rich in copper and gold; but these mines have not
been proved so deep as the Capillitas groups; the latter, how-
ever, improved in the yield of gold in depth, and we may
expect the same increase in the Atajo". He further adds that
if these mines are not sold to a syndicate, "we — Messrs. Lafo-
ne Quevedo and Company — mean to start new furnaces and
smelt the Atajo ores and hope to avail ourselves of the Capi-
llitas Company's cable road".
It would appear that the London company, referred to, as
having acquired groups of mines in the Cerro of Capillitas
has not yet commenced to open the mines possessed in the
Atajo district.
The Mining District of Vis-Vis
This district is situated to the south west of the Atajo min-
ing district and, recently, other important mines have been
discovered in that locality upon the estate which Mr. Samuel
Lafone Quevedo possesses there. These mines are being ins-
pected in the same manner as those of the Atajo, by the agent
of a London Syndicate, and if not taken over no doubt Messrs.
Lafone and Company will put them under exploitation.
Mineral District of Campo Grande
This district is situated at a distance of about 3 leagues in
an eastern direction from the "DescubridorcP, in the Cerro de
Capillitas, and on the western side of the great Cerro de
Aconquija, and in it various important mines have been dis-
covered. One of these is called "Descabridora", which is a
common and favourite name for any mine first discovered in
any district. The principal vein of mineral in this mine runs
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 175
in an eastern and western direction. It has a thickness of
24 feet, and the mineral extracted from it yielded at the rate of
53 ounces of silver, and 1'35 ounces of gold per ton.
An excavation or inclined pit was sunk upon this vein, and
at a few yards in depth, the body of the vein consisted of
porous quartz with patches of green carbonate of copper
and a little galena. At the depth of 15 yards, the yield was
at the rate of 104 ounces of silver and 3'5 ounces of gold per
ton. It is curious to note, that the central part of jhis vein
carried a thin deposit in the form of fine powder, and from
this the large yield of gold was derived, but this auriferous
powder terminated downwards, introducing into the vein pyri-
tes and at a depth of 18 yards the yield was at the rate of 3Q
ounces of silver and T30 ounces of gold per ton. The walls
of the mine consisted of solid granite.
At a short distance to the north of fhe "Descubridora",
other veins of mineral of the same class have been discovered.
One of these was called "Concordia" ', and had a thickness
of 24 feet; it was crossed by a number of other smaller veins.
Samples of mineral from another vein and mine, called "Cons-
tancid", yielded at the rate of 150 ounces of silver, and 1'65
ounces of gold per ton.
The thickness of this vein varied from 2'3 to 2*9 yards. On
the southern side of the "Constancta" and at a little distance
from it, four other veins of mineral exist, and these cross a
larger, one 24 feet in thickness. One of the cross veins has a
thickness of 2 yards, and the mineral extracted from it yielded
both gold and silver; however, it is mixed with a small quantity
of lead and zinc. Another of the cross veins has a thickness of
Q feet, and consists of pyrites of iron and lead.
There are various other veins of mineral in the same loca-
lity of great thickness and of the same quality.
The district Campo Grande, has a circular form, and at a
176 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
distance of about 1 ]/2 leagues to the east of it, and at a
lower level a large number of mineral veins are found crossing
one another, all of which contain the same class of mineral as
in those already described. In the same locality a thick vein
of lead has also been discovered.
No works of importance have been effected in the mines of
this district, consequently it is impossible to judge whether the
mines would prove valuable in the deep, or not. It is, how-
ever, highly probable that the nature of the veins would change
introducing copper, and other metalliferous elements of
commercial value. No doubt, this district will receive more
attention in the future.
Mining District of Cerro Colorado
Santa Maria
In this district, various mines have been discovered from
time to time, but comparative little work has been done in any
of them.
In 1883, the writer received a sample of mineral from one
of the mines in the district of Santa Maria consisting of grey
copper, pyrites of copper, etc., and by assay, it yielded a large
percentage of copper, silver and gold. It was reported on
good authority that the vein of mineral from which this sam-
ple was obtained had a great thickness.
It has, also, been reported that a mine of mercury exists in
this district, and this has occassioned a long search by inte-
rested persons in order to discover it; but the miners are
always jealous and, consequently, desire to keep a secret to
themselves, and do all they can to impede the action of explo-
rers, as also mislead them as to the locality in which a rich
vein of mineral or mine may exist. For these reasons, if the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 177
mine of mercury exists at all its situation is kept as a profound
secret.
The regions about the mountains of Santa Maria are re-
mote and somewhat difficult of access, and for this and other
reasons, a scientific and practical system of exploration has
never been officially or otherwise undertaken in this dis-
trict.
Up to the 14th. May 1892, only one concession of a mine
in this district appears upon the official register. This mine
is called "Alianzd" , and the vein of mineral runs in an eastern
and western direction, and yields silver. Recently, however,
a vein of mineral of bismuth has been discovered in this
district. Samples of mineral extracted from the mine have
yielded at the rate of 9 "/,, of bismuth.
The Mining Districts of Aconquija, Ambato, etc.
The highest points of the great mountain of Aconquija,
which are nearly always covered with snow have, according to
the best authorities, an elevation of 5400 metres. Other parts
of it do not however rise to more than 4692 metres.
The lowest part of this mountain range has an elevation of
2187 metres above sea level. This mountain is situated to the
east of Capillitas, and extends for a long distance northwards,
or to the division line between this province, Catamarca and
that of Tucuman. The mountain also runs southward passing
to the east of the town of Andalgala until it becomes united to
another great range of mountains called Cerro de Ambato,
which latter runs southward forming a slow irregular curve
westward as far as Chumbicha.
These Cerros cover a large area of territory, and the whole is
divided at various points by innumerable ramifications, valleys
178 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
having different altitudes, and deep gorges which renders
travelling slow, difficult and dangerous.
It is an historical fact — see first Chapter — that many parts of
the districts in these mountain regions contain a large number
of mines of various classes, especially copper, silver and gold;
but, as is the general rule in modern times the want of pro-
per explorations, only a small proportion of the mines, which
undoubtedly exist there, has been discovered.
It is, however, almost certain that if proper and prolonged
geological and mineralogical explorations were to be made by
serious and practically qualified persons, some of the ancient
rich gold mines of the Jesuits would be discovered, as well as
various new ones of different classes. Evidence exists pro-
ving that the Jesuits worked mines in these regions and ob-
tained large quantities of gold from them.
The Mining District Cerro Negro Aconquija
This district is situated at an altitude of 3000 metres above
sea level, and at a distance of 40 kilometres from the town of
Andalgala.
Not long since, several concessions of mines were obtained,,
the principal ones were named "Irene", "Montenegro", "Use"'
and "Sofia". These mines consist of 9 pertenencias, covering
an area of 52' 12 hectares.
The formation of rocks in which the veins of mineral are
found consist of trachyte. The principal lode is that of "Mon-
tenegro", running in an eastern and western direction and
inclining 15° towards the north. The other lodes have various
magnetic bearings.
The mineral contained in these lodes consists of carbonates
and oxides of copper, mixed with oxide of iron, etc., in the
whole of which a certain percentage of gold exists.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 179
In 1901, about 30 tons of this copper ore were extracted
and smelted at the establishment at Pilciau.
Samples of the same mineral were assayed in the laboratory
of the National Government Mint, by Dr. J.J. Kyle, and yielded
the following elements:
N.° 56
Copper 12 °/0
Silver 0'0015 "
Gold 0-0045 "
or at the rate of 15 grammes of silver, and 45 grammes of
gold per metric ton. The workings in these veins are not ex-
tensive, but the principal lode has been cut into and found to be
3 metres in thickness without reaching the hanging wall. At
the depth reached, the copper ore was found to be richer
than at the surface. A gallery has been driven in the side of
the mountain for a distance of 45 metres to intersect the lode
at a point 16 ]/2 metres below the bottom of the inclined shafts
which had been made upon the vein.
There is no evidence to hand referring to the productive
qualities of the other lodes, but the owners are convinced that
the general yield of gold will be very great and, for these rea-
sons, the persons interested have commenced to erect an es-
tablishment of fundition at a place called EL Totoral in the
district of Potrero, about 30 kilometres from the mines and 10
kilometres from the town of Andalgala. It is expected that
this establishment will be in a condition to commence the re-
duction of ores in the month of May of the present year. As
soon as possible after this establishment is in a going condi-
tion, two other smelting furnaces will be erected, so that it
will be a mining centre of considerable importance.
All the surrounding circumstances are favourable so that it
180 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
may be expected that considerable profit will be derived from
the mining and smelting operations referred to.
The Romay Iron Mining District
To the west of Recreo, or the Frias Station, on the North
Central Railway, and at about 2 4 leagues, a series of low
mountains exist, and in one of these, called Sierra de los Al-
tos, various thin veins of titanic iron ore have been discovered,
and some unimportant works placed upon them.
A number of Engineers and Geologists were employed
from time to time to examine and report upon these iron
mines for interested parties, and, consequently, much public
attention was directed to them. The interest thus raised in
1873 continued until within the last 3 or 4 years.
A company called the "Sud Americana" was formed to
exploit the mines and smelt the mineral in high furnaces;
but before obtaining any practical result, the small amount of
Capital raised was lost, and on two several occasions appli-
cation was made to the National Government for aid.
This resulted in a project of law being introduced into Con-
gress guaranteeing 6% upon a capital of 1,500,000 dollars, and
although the project became law, the capital indicated was
never raised and, finally, the whole scheme was abandoned.
A quantity of this titanic iron ore was founded into three
bars in a small establishment in Buenos Aires, and when the
writer was commissioned to represent the mining and metal-
lurgicial industries of the Republic, at the exhibition of Chicago,
in 1893, he exhibited one of the three bars of iron referred to,
as also samples of the titanic iron ore and various analysis of
the same, but the jury of awards ignored the value of the iron.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
181
TABLE N.° 6
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
31-815
0-032
43-404
0-150
31-441
0-064
22-952
0-126
31-552
0-080
51-585
o-ooo
31-774
0-356
75-901
10-253
0-0008
31-774
0-106
40-900
—
— .
41-814
0-126
76-356
9-224
0-0016
49-152
0-200
76-356
—
—
21-760
0-050
77-717
—
—
24-074
o-ioo
27-775
0-152
—
31-232
0-090
—
27-580
0-060
—
34-559
0-130
27-108
0-072
—
20-992
0'140
27-997
0-076
—
64-710
0-040
15-554
0-108
—
5-120
0-050
- —
10-665
0-124
—
5-632
0-170
35-552
0-244
—
28-160
0-080
27-552
1-040
—
7-068
0-030
49-996
0-136
—
24-576
0-040
23-775
0-196
—
8-192
0-050
22-664
0-172
—
23-118
0-130
40-218
0-028
—
5-632
0-060
—
9-110
0-030
—
15-104
0-204
8-888
0-168
—
47-872
0-024
7-777
0-048
—
53-284
0-028
28-663
0-028
—
33-536
0-350
42-218
0-156
—
26-112
0-248
30-663
0-116
—
14-089
0-170
50-439
0-080
—
28-179
0-092
12-443
0-050
— .
14-540
0-112
0-577
0-072
—
—
0-068
33-532
0-088
_ —
11-362
0-140
22-220
0-092
—
50-220
0-140
33-552
0-192
—
51-585
0-058
48-439
0-068
—
38-632
0-080
47-995
0-176
—
48-117
0-104
26-219
0-108
—
10-908
0-136
55-327
0-025
—
48-632
0-132
27-352
0-076
—
15-220
1-160
31-552
0-028
—
182
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
TABLE N.° 7
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
10-226
0-050
38-896
0-028
5-794
0-154
53-550
0-188
15-225
0-116
22-220
0-372
42-495
0-286
61-882
0-028
—
8-862
0-120
53-772
0-024
14544
0-058
—
46-217
0-040
- —
33-405
0-058
—
9-332
0-024
33-178
o-ooo
—
37-107
0-068
62-226
o-ooo
—
35-329
0-040
— .
37-650
0-144
22-220
0-024
33633
0-084
52-439
0-088
66-993
0-222
23-108
0-036
• —
Samples of copper ores selected by the writer from the mine
" Restauradora" , Capillitas, and which formed part of his ex-
tensive private collection — the whole of which was lent to the
national government to be exhibited at the Exhibition of Paris
in 1887, and in Chicago in 1893— were assayed in the labora-
tory of the then National Department of Mines and Geology,
and the elements deduced are represented in tables N.os 6 and
7. The copper ranges from 0'5770/0 to 77-717% and the
silver in columns 2 and 4 ranges from 0-024% to 10'258%.
Gold was detected in two of the samples only and was at
the rate of O'OOOS %. The classes of ore assayed consisted
of Chalcopyrite, Phillipsite, Grey Copper, black and red
Oxides, Malachite, etc., etc.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
183
TABLE N.° 8
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
34-218
0-124
19-853
0-160
35-107
0-216
— -
39031
0-040
20-000
0-080
— -
68-460
0080
33-810
0-060
26014
0-124
35-022
0-164
20-366
0-162
23-825
0-136
9-403
0-016
32-640
0-140
32347
0-188
21-204
0-108
31-833
0-120
23-825
0-016
32-689
0-180
5-956
0-020
9584
—
43-838
0-048
. —
16-088
0-180
12-597
0-104
55-452
0196
34-546
0-028
65-379
0-240
30-496
0-072
64-694
o-ooo
32-402
0044
40-391
0-180
22-960
0-104
23-618
0-036
25-238
0-024
15-403
0044
31-667
0-090
14-034
0176
45953
0028
32-005
0-060
17-381
0-040
22-934
0056
60-000
0-040
19-168
0-040
62-144
0-056
35-559
0-044
54-524
0-040
23-270
0-040
18-095
0'040
__
15-745
0-040
28-572
0-060
—
0-040
41-667
0036
14-718
0-036
32-860
0-060
22-934
0-080
— -
28-572
0-148
16-772
o-ooo
27-610
0200
24-645
0-040
73-324
0'040
26-669
0-048
20-952
0-044
18.484
0-036
16-190
0076
3251
0-036
19-524
0-036
2-902
0-040
39527
0-036
13-222
0-040
53-810
0-080
35-636
0-060
48-572
0-040
36-281
0-056
32-334
0-104
19-350
o-ooo
42371
0-036
— .
—
184
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
TABLE N.° Q
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
63-810
0-040
24*026
0-040
36-667 0-030
19-027
o-ooo
45-715
0-040
—
4-192
0-040
23-810
0-036
25-152
o-ooo
20-195
0036
—
4-514
0-040
19339
0-532
—
—
0-040
17-799
0-036
— .
8-546
0-044
31 605
0-040
—
13867
0-320
57-677
0-044
—
—
0-072
10-970
0-044
—
0-280
20-538
0-136
—
—
0-160
34-743 0-160
—
. —
0044
28-753 0232
—
0-060
The samples of copper ores from which the elements in
Table N.os 8 and 9, were determined, were obtained by the
writer from the mine "Grande", to which reference has been
previously made, and also form part of his general collection,
previously referred to.
The percentage of copper exhibited in these Tables, ranges
from 2-902 % to 73'324 °/0 and the silver in columns 2 and 4,
ranges from 0-018 °/0 to 0'532 °/0. These samples contained
no appreciable quantity of gold.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
185
TABLE N.° 10
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
It
Silver
%
Gold
%
0-056
24-476
7-61
0-322
0-028
12-619
0-33
—
0-028
23-095
092
0'123
0-030
23-810
0-92
4-192
—
59-525
056
32-250
0-256
19-048
064
3-870
0-040
45-715
0-82
42-891
0180
13-809
0-59
34-507
0-028
- —
11-190
0-24
13-545
0-028
25-476
0-204
5-643
0-400
25-238
0-290
1-935
0-300
4-523
0-190
24-026
0600
23-144
0-680
9-675
0'188
25-788
1-70
15-480
0-038
32-349
0-69
14-028
0-098
6-135
—
7-417
0-090
11-589
—
—
14-028
0-040
6817
1-853
0-0006
13-222
0-094
8-408
—
15-157
0-038
18-634
4889
0-0030
4-837
0-040
29-876
—
—
1-773
0-050
9-731
1-088
—
2-580
—
12-098
1-234
—
3870
0-164
42-080
3-480
—
—
0-020
23-933
3720
—
33-540
0-280
—
41-028
2-988
—
10-390
—
11-572
—
—
21-930
0-060
6-732
0-034
—
50-995
0-030
7-364
0716
—
—
0-028
3-945
2356
—
11-932
0-030
42-080
0-680
—
1-290
0-020
20-770
8-760
—
8-062
o-ioo
20-251
1-404
—
15-802
0-090
19-725
0-420
—
1-773
0-052
8-153
2-250
—
12-900
0-340
44-184
0-980
—
18-566
0-040
29-350
1-958
—
17576
0-040
9-468
2-490
—
186
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
TABLE N.° 11
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
27-727
0-256
10-783
2-160
—
0-020
28-881
0-370
—
0-020
25-788
0-754
— .
4-837
—
:
27-352
0-058
40-960
1-020
26-140
0-400
12-143
7-860
35-510
3-356
14-286 0-980
30-508
10-180
37-857
0-820
49-970
1-108
30-476
0-380
.
45-920
—
31-429
1-510
42-500
—
—
41-429
6-850
57-334
0-402
22-857
0-750
—
7-876
9-199
0-060
9-888
9-148
22-881
1-626
14-991
0*292
0-783
4-560
11-490
0-568
0-032
The assay determinations in the above Tables N.° 8 and 9,
were made in the same manner as described for those in
Table N.° 6, and represent the mineral samples as taken in a
more general manner, and cannot be considered to be the
best samples selected.
The copper elements, represented in these table, N.os 10 and
11, ranges fromO'028 °/0to 59'52 %, and the silver in columns
2 and 5, from 0'020 % to 10*180 °/0-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
187
TABLE N.° 12
Copper
%
Silver
"/"
Gold
%
Copper
%
Silver Gold
% %
0-672
0-496
3-00
0-028
0-152
—
o-oo
0-022
0-738
—
0-45
0-242
- —
1-050
—
—
1-760
—
0-170
—
0-032
—
0-140
6-40 2-106
0-288
3-70 1-842
—
0-196
0-75 1-020
—
0-088
0-40 0-154
6-30
5-220
0-050
— .
0-060
2-70
1-260
—
o-io
0-086
—
0-336
—
1-920
0-45 0-132
.
—
0-032
1-418
—
—
0-252
—
0-440
—
1-090
4-25 4-046
—
0-034
2-90 1-380
—
0-189 I 0-018
9-00 6-332
—
—
1-180
—
3-25 2-580 —
—
0-062
—
3-15 1-696
—
0-30
0-448
—
0-30 0-232
14-50
0-078
0-038
0-60
0-480
30-00
0-022
—
5-75 0-044
0-014
—
0-032
—
The metalliferous elements contained in the above Table
N.° 12, were determined from some of the most inferior
classes of mineral which enter into the selection of that
which is treated in the reduction furnaces. It ranges from
O'lO °/o up to 30-00 °/OJ or the maximum which, however, is
a solitary example in the Table.
The silver in the columns of the Tables number 2 and 5,
show well, and ranges from 0'022 % to 5.22 °/0-
188
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
In this serie of assays, gold was detected only in two of
the samples, and was at the rate of 0'018 to 0.038 %•
TABLE N.° 13
Copper
%
Silver
Copper
%
Silver
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
49-76
0-016
52-88
0-005
27-88
0-088
30-72
0-018
44-61
0-004
11-83
0-122
34-28
0-168
43-41
0-042
—
0-040
40-72
0-116
4-57
0-084
—
0-028
70-91
0-003
10-19
0-188
3-71
8-030
61-34
0-003
9-62
0-320
—
0-034
54-08
0-016
28-60
0-060
61-54
0-278
27-64
—
35-09
0-096
16-63
0-030
32-69
—
16-63
0-062
—
—
20-19
0-007
43-46
0-182
—
—
59-32
0-018
4-04
0-098
—
—
The assay elements, exhibited in the Table N.° 13, were
determined from samples of Copper ores collected from the
mines in the Cerro de Capillitas, and found part of the gene-
ral collection which the writer was commissioned to exhibit
at the Paris Exhibition, 1889, and at that of Chicago in 1893.
These samples were selected, and do not represent the avera-
ge product of any of the mines described in that district. The
copper elements range from 3'71 % to 61'544°/c, and the silver
in columns 2, 4 and 6 is at the rate of 0'0036 % to 0.278 %.
Up to May 1902, the provincial government register
indicated the following concessions of mines.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 189
Silver 8 concessions
Silver and copper 3 "
Coal 7
Copper 3
Iron and copper 1
Iron 1
Gold and silver 1 "
Bismuth and silver 1 "
Copper, silver and gold. . . 4
Antimony 1
Galena 2
Lime 3
Borate of lime 1 "
Gold 4
Mica 1
Sulphate of iron 1 "
Total. . . 42 concessions
These mines are distributed in the various mining districts,
the greater number of which have already been described.
The most recent discovery, as previously noted is the mine
of Bismuth situated in the Cerro de Aconquija, district of San
Jose.
Samples of this mineral were assayed in the National
Government Mint of Buenos Aires by doctor J. J. J. Kyle,
and was found to yield at the rate of Q'86 °/0 of bismuth, with
traces of gold.
The new Capillitas Copper Company, formed in London
some time since, has purchased a group of 43 pertenencias or
mines in the district of Capillitas as, also, another group of 6
mines in the Atajo district, situated at a distance of about 9
kilometres to the west of Capillitas.
As has been previously observed, the mines in the Capilli-
tas district were exploited for many years by Mr. Samuel
.
190 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Lafone Quevedo and others. Workings were carried on upon
12 distinct copper lodes which yielded large quantities of
copper mineral.
The new company can command a capital of £ 600.000,
and it has commenced to develope the mines in question; but
it is natural to suppose that it will take a considerable time
before the mines can be placed in a condition to yield a
maximum supply of ores.
Nevertheless, for the first six months in 1Q03, the mines
yielded 810 tons of mineral, assaying an average of 14*88 °/0
of copper: from 0*05 to 0'22 ounces of gold, and from 8*05 to
23'48 ounces of silver per french ton; but this can only be
considered as the minimum yield for the reason that the
lodes have not yet been reached in the deep by the adits
now in progress.
When this work has been effected the yield of copper,
gold and silver will be much higher.
It is intended to erect a new Establishment of Fundition
nearer to the mines than the present one at Pilciau.
An Aerial- Rope-way will soon be built, in five sections, from
the mines to the new establishment of fundition.
Its total length will be 25 !/2 kilometres, and the difference
of level between its extreme points amounts to 1787 ]/2 me-
tres. It will have a carrying power of 300 tons per day; but,
for a considerable time to come, the company does not intend
to transport more than 100 tons per day which will be
sufficient for reduction in the two Water Jacket Blast furnaces
which have a capacity of 50 tons each.
The Rope-way in question will deliver the ore from the
mines to the establishment of fundition.
The Aerial- Rope-way will reduce the cost of transport to a
considerable extent, giving the company greater advantages
in point of speed and profit.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
191
At present it takes 7 mules to convey 1 ton of ore from the
mines to the old Establishment occupying 7 days in the return
journey, costing 16'66 dollars per ton.
The water power at Huasan, on the river Andalgala, will be
utilized for transmitting an electric current to the smelting
establishment, the distance being 14 kilometres, where it will
be employed as motive power and also for giving motion to
the Aerial-Rope transporting line. It is calculated that the
river Andalgala will yield 215 horse power.
From what has been advanced, it is evident that the company
in question will introduce new life into this part of the provin-
ce of Catamarca, and, no doubt, the energy exerted and the
great success which will necessarily follow, will induce the
formation of other companies for the object of exploiting
other groups of copper mines existing in other parts of the
province. In point of fact, at the present moment the repre-
sentative of a London syndicate is actually examining copper
mines for the object indicated.
CHAPTER VII
Mines and Mining in the Province of Tucuman
This province is situated between the provinces of Cata-
marca, to the south, south west and west: Santiago del Es-
tero to the east, and by Salta to the north. It is also very
irregular in form, extending over an area of 23,1124 square kilo-
metres, and is the smallest of all the provinces.
The great chain of mountains known as Aconquija and that
of Animas, divide a part of this province from that of Cata-
marca, for a long distance in a north west direction, or to a
point nearly opposite to Santa Maria. The boundary line of
Tucuman then curves and passes westward to Saladillo, in the
Cerro de Quilmes; it then follows the Cerro del Cajon, north-
wards to about 26° 16' south latitude. It then returns east-
ward passing a little to the south of Tolombon which is 1700
metres above sea level. The part of Tucuman just described
is a projection westward, enclosing the ancient mountainous
mining district of Quilmes, which is a continuation northwards
of the mountain chains of Santa Maria; in the province of
Catamarca. These mountain chains are in the same general
line as those of Capillitas, being divided by the large camp of
Santa Maria.
194 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
According to the writers map of this Republic, the Nevado
de Aconquija, is situated in about 27° 5' south latitude, and 66°
5' west longitude. It is also marked on the map as having an
altitude of 4630 metres above sea level. These mountain
chains cover a very large area of the province.
The capital, Tucuman, has only an altitude of 450 metres,
and the Station Trancas, at the northern part of the province
has an altitude of 800 metres. The distance between the two
places is about 13, leagues in a direct line, and the difference
of level amounts to 337 metres.
The Cerro de Medina, is situated to the east of the Tucu-
man valley, or low level lands and extends from Timbo, 600
metres of elevation, northward to San Jose. This series of
mountains also cover an extensive area of land. As is the case
n all the mountain regions of this Republic; the chains of
mountains under consideration, are divided into various groups
and innumerable ramifications at different heights, as also
profound gorges joining the larger mountain masses together.
Naturally the more elevated places in the mountains are ex-
ceedingly cold in the winter season, and, consequently, much
snow is gathered there: when this melts and the rainy
season commences, the various mountain streams feed the
low level rivers, forming torrents rushing down at great velo-
city. For these reasons Tucuman is one of the most favoured
provinces in the Republic in respect to water supply: the pro-
vince is, therefore, one of great fertility and celebrated for its
immense forests of timber, etc.
According to reports, the formation of the mountain regions
chiefly consist of granite, gneiss and others. The writer has
dwelt upon a description of the topographical features of the
mountain regions, more than, perhaps, may have been neces-
sary, in order to show that the general formation is similar to
that in other provinces where so many mines of various classes
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
195
of mineral exist, and, consequently, we are justified in stating
that there is no reason why a large number of profitable
mines may not he discovered and exploited in this province.
Tucuman was founded in 1653, 19 years before Salta, and
consequently the residents there at that period would have
enjoyed the confidence of the various tribes of Indians which
formed the greater part of the population. The Spaniards
must, therefore, have been aware of the position of such rich
mineral veins as had been discovered by the Indians. Inde-
pendent of this, we are aware that in the Sierra de Quilmes,
situated to the west of Santa Maria, mineral veins of great
importance, rich in gold, silver and copper, once existed.
In 1865, Graty wrote that the Indians exploited the mines
of Quilmes, and that the Spanish authorities of Tucuman impo-
sed heavy contributions upon the Indian miners and, for this
reason, the mines were abandoned. The same writer says.
In a place called, Huaschascienega, which is generally sup-
posed to be the same as Guaschaya, situated in the Depart-
ment of Trancas, various ancient mines, rich in silver and
antimony existed, and that the body of the veins consisted of
felspar, quartz and mica. This author further states that in
former times various persons were induced to ask for and
obtain "a large number of mines". It also appears that the
mines called "San Francisco" and "San Antonio" were inclu-
ded. It is further added that ancient mines existed in the moun-
tains of Aimcha, in the Department of Trancas and that these
mines were worked to a certain depth and then abandoned,
but no reasons have been assigned for this. It is, however,
highly probable that water infiltrated into the mines.
Colalo, is also situated in the Department of Trancas and
on the eastern declivity of that part of Quilmes in this pro-
vince: it is also reported by Graty that to the "east of that
place rich mines of silver were discovered as, also, a thick
196
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
vein of iron ore, capable of yielding an abundance of ore".
This ore yielded at the rate of 80 % of metal and appeared to
have consisted of olegistic iron ore.
The same author, who had directed much attention to the
mining districts of this Republic, states, that at a place cal-
led Aitnada various mineral veins containing carbonate of
copper were discovered, and that assays of samples yielded
at the rate of 30 to 40 % of copper. He, also, confirmed the
existence of gold and silver mines in the same district.
N.° 1
CLASSES OF MINERAL
Copper
per cent
Silver
per cent
Gold
per cent
1. Carbonate and silicate of copper
2 Green carbonate
38-41
30'20
0-0230
O'OOSO
0-0005
3. Oxide and green carbonate . .
4. Green carbonate
40-10
15-20
0-0126
—
5. Do. Do
18-54
6. Auriferous quartz
0*0156
0*0016
7. Do. Do
Q'0166
0'0023
8. Do. Do
0-0113
0*0016
Q. Do. Do.
0-0183
0-0020
The samples of mineral N.os 1, 2, and from 6 to Q were pre-
sented by Colonel Don Lucas A. Cordoba, the Governor of
the province, and those numbered 3, 4 and 5 were presented
by a miner who had received them from the same province.
The veins from which they were obtained were represented to
be thick; but the position where they existed was not given.
The assays represented in the Table N.° 1 are sufficiently
good as regards percentage of copper contained in the sam-
ples, and althongh the silver in N.os 1, 2 and 3, is not high, still,
it is sufficient to encourage the hope that a large sample taken
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 1Q7
from the veins would give a high yield. Gold occurs in N.° 1
sample only.
The samples of auriferous quartz from 6 to Q, contain gold
and silver, the highest yield amounting to 6'4 ozs. of silver and
0'71 ounces of gold per ton. The samples referred to had a fer-
ruginous character and were evidently obtained from the sur-
face part of the vein which had been exposed to the action
of the atmosphere for many centuries and, for these reasons,
part of the gold may have been disintegrated as is frequently
the case. There is, therefore, reason to infer that in depth the-
se auriferous quartz veins would yield a larger percentage
of gold and, if they are sufficiently thick and all the surroun-
ding conditions favourable, a profitable exploitation may be
carried on. These indications are, therefore, sufficiently en-
couraging to give impulse to those desirous of carrying out
explorations on a large scale in a new camp.
If such explorations were properly conducted by experien-
ced persons, and continued for a sufficient length of time, no
doubt a re-discovery of the ancient gold and silver mines, pre-
viously referred to— see 1st. Chapter — as, also, various new
mines of commercial importance would be found.
This was the opinion expressed by the writer in the chapter
which he devoted to this province in his larger work of 1889;
but its importance has escaped the attention of the public.
Nearly the whole of the mining provinces of this Republic
have been ran over by adventurous persons and others seeking
mines for speculative purposes and company negociations;
but the province we are now considering has been completely
neglected.
We may, therefore, refer this indifference, in a great measu-
re, to the fact that no one in modern times has undertaken a
preliminary formal exploitation of the known veins of mineral,
so as to determine their value as a commercial undertaking.
1Q8 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
This is an unfortunate circumstance, still, if any thought had
been given to the subject, which is doubtful, it may be rea-
dily seen that it is more difficult to form a mining syndicate,
or float a company to exploit virgin mineral veins, although
they may have great promise, than it is when a mine, worked
for many years, is in question. This is a sufficient reason to
explain why speculators have not found the province of Tu-
cuman an encouraging field for their mining operations.
The present Governor of this Province, Colonel Don Lucas
A. Cordoba, is exceedingly intelligent in questions of mines
due to the practical experience he acquired in the copper mi-
nes and establishment of fundition in the province of La Rioja,
and it is certain that he would join in the writer's regrets that
more attention has not been given to mining enterprise in his
province. This state of affairs can only be effectually remedied,
as previously noted, by forming a commission of experienced
mining Engineers to carry out systematic explorations upon
the ground itself, with sufficient resources to effect years of
practical work; but, such an important expedition should ne-
ver be entrusted to young men without any practical experien-
ce and whose chief reccommendations consist in obtaining
an official position and a salary.
Enquiries made to the Governor of this province in 1Q02 re-
ferring to the mineral resources and geology of this part of the
Republic elicited the reply that, with the exception of 2 quarries
situated in the Department of Burmyacu, 1 in that ofTrancas,
and 3 others in Tafi, no mines were under exploitation. He
added that it was known that a large area of slate, probably of
Silurian age, existed between the rivers Ceibalito and Payo-
real in the Department of Trancas. The Governor concluded
his report by stating that quarries of alabaster and marble as,
also, that precious metals existed; but the position of these
was unknown. This report, also, contains the notice that at
£*
OF
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 199
Vipos, upon the estate of Mr. Garcia, in the Department of
Trancas, a deposit of sulphate of soda exists.
In an official publication treating of the history and natural
resources of this province, in the possession of the writer,
sometime since, and in a short notice upon the mines, some
assays of silver mineral are given. The yield in one case
amounted to 30 per cent of silver, and the class of mineral is
described as being Ruby or Rosicler silver. There is, however
no evidence proving from what mines, or from whence the
samples were derived. The writer has not, therefore, reprodu-
ced the assays. It is reasonable to infer that if such mines of
silver had been discovered in modern times, capital could
have been found for their exploitation. Nevertheless, some
other reasons may have existed to prevent public attention
from being directed to the question and, as we have already
proved that rich mines of gold and silver once existed and
were exploited by the ancient miners, there could not exist
any reason why, at sometime or another, such a mine of silver
as that from which the samples of mineral were extracted,
may not have been hit upon by some wandering Indian or
shepherd, the site of which may afterwards have been forgot-
ten or lost. Such cases have frequently occurred to persons
who were not miners or capable of recognising a place of
difficult access a second time. Such difficult conditions in the
mountains of Tucuman are sure to present themselves.
CHAPTER VIII
Mines and Mining in the Province of Salta
This is a very important mining province, extending over an
area of 161,OQQ square kilometres.
In the 1st. chapter of this work, we have spoken at consi-
derable length upon the ancient mines and mining carried on
in this part of South America by the Indians and Spaniards, and
from what has been advanced it is to be regretted that we are
obliged to admit that taking into consideration the great dif-
ference which existed in the ways and means at that remote
period, as compared to the present, more attention was then
given to the mining and metallurgical industries than in more
modern times.
The geographical situation of this province, and the pecu-
culiar geological formation of the rocks, are conditions which
greatly favour the idea that mineral riches exist; but from
what we know of the actual mining which has been carried
on, we are justified in stating that it is highly probable and, in
fact we believe, that future mining will render this important
region, one of the most important in the Republic. Its close
proximity to Bolivia, in the southern part of which Republic,
in which exist the Huanchaca mines, — some of the richest
202 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
in the world, — leads one to the conclusion that between that
place and the northern part of the province no great difference
could exist in the conditions necessary to produce various rich
mines.
Some geologists, engineers, and other scientists of great
reputation and experience, have formed the opinion that such
mineral districts as may be found near to the equatorial regions,
would be more likely to produce an abundance of mineral
riches than those situated nearer to the Poles. We cannot,
however, enter upon philosophical enquiries and speculations
or assign reasons in pro or in contra for such opinions in this
place, but propose to refer to it again in the chapter which we
may write upon the geology of this Republic. Nevertheles, the
practical result is that such opinions seem to be confirmed by
the fact that Peru and Bolivia are countries which have always
been recognised as being among the richest in mineral wealth
in South America and, for these reasons and those previously
assigned, the province of Salta, should possess similar condi-
tions.
The most important mining districts in this province are
reported to be: 1st., Payogasta, or Poma; 2d., Molinos; 3rd.,
San Carlos; 4th., Cachi; 5th., Iruya; 6th., Oran; 7th., Metan;
8th., Anta; 9th., Rivadavia; 10th., Salinas de Salta. Neverthe-
less, mines exist in other parts of this province.
The following are a few of the mines of note which have
been conceded by the government.
The mine Chacabuco. This mine is situated in the northern
part of the province, in the Department of Iruya. The mine in
question has been worked upon a limited scale on two or three
occasions but consequent upon the small amount of capital
employed its exploitation could not be continued. The lode
consists of gray copper and pyrites carrying gold and silver.
Large samples of mineral have been extracted yielding from
10 to 50 per cent of copper, with silver and gold.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 203
Mineral Districts of Acay
The Nevada of Acay is situated at a distance of about 85 ki-
lometres in a north western direction from the town of Salta,
as it is represented upon the maps constructed previous to the
settlement of the limits of the National Territory of the Andes.
The Nevado de Acay has been estimated to have an altitude
of 4900 metres above sea level, and from it extend, towards
the south east and, also, east and west, various other branch
mountains under other names which may be verified from a
good topographical map of the province. The whole of these
elevated regions cover a very large area, and in some of the
lower parts of the ramifications of Acay are to be found the
rivers Saladillo, Blanco and Negro Muerto which pass through
some of the populated localities of Poma, Cachi and Molinos,
and into the Calchaqui Valley. The river Blanco passes over a
region in which many abandoned mines exist, and, as it may
be supposed, the water is very impure due to the presence of
the salts of copper, antimony, lead and other deleterious ele-
ments.
In the places where the river Blanco and other streams enter
the principal current, which descends into the valley, various
samples of mineral containing copper, gold and silver, have
been found from time to time.
These had been disintegrated from the principal veins which
existed high up in the mountains and transported to the lower
levels in flood time.
Some of the mines in this neighbourhood have been exploi-
ted, as previously noted, but there is no evidence to show
how much mineral was extracted. The class of mineral con-
tained in the mineral veins in this neighbourhood consists of
204 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
pyrites and other classes of copper and, assays of some sam-
ples yielded.
N.° 1
Copper 20°/0
Silver 220'0 |
Gold 0-5 jou«cesPerton-
Selected samples from the same neighbourhood, have yield-
ed as much as 60 % of copper.
Nearly on all sides of the small streams of water falling down
from the depressed places and deeper gorges of the mount-
ains of Acay, may be seen the remains of mine workings be-
longing to a remote period.
Some of the mineral veins which were worked at a small
distance above the level of the Rio Blanco, contained red oxide
of copper, mixed with pyrites of iron, and samples obtained
from the veins have yielded by assay:
N.° 2
Copper, from. ... 20 to 50 °/0
Silver " 108'0 " 220 I
Gold «•.... 0-7 « 0-9 iOU nC6S Per t0n'
The general opinion is that rich mineral deposits exist in this
district capable of yielding large quantities of copper ores, in
fact, history confirms that, at one time, the Spaniards employed
300 men in the mines of this locality; but the workings at that
period were limited more or less to superficial deposits, and
in no case did they reach a greater depth than from 30 to 40
metres.
Some of the mines in this district have been obtained under
concession in more modern times and three of the most
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 205
noted were named "Milagro", "Mercedes" and "Rosario" .
The principal vein of mineral in the mine "Milagro", runs in
an eastern and western direction, inclining towards the north.
In some of the other mines in the district of Acay, the mi-
neral lodes run in the same direction. For the most part the
mines are distributed in the mountain ramifications to the south
of the Cerro Nevada. The mineral found in various lodes
consists of red oxide and sulphide of copper, carrying a large
percentage of silver. As may be anticipated, the amount of
copper and silver, as also gold contained in the mineral lodes,
vary to a considerable extent. However, assays of samples,
taken from some of the lodes, have yielded:
N.° 3
Copper 15 to 25°/0
Silver 140 " 250 |
Gold 0-5 « 0-8 (°UnCeS Per t0n'
The mineral lodes in the mine "Milagro" exist in granite
rocks, but there are various cross lodes passing througth tra-
chyte rocks. Some of the veins have been measured to be
from 2-5 to 6 feet in thickness. In the same locality, lodes con-
taining copper and galena exist, but these have not been pro-
ved to any great extent. A number of other lodes are known
to traverse this district in all directions and still remain in a vir-
gin condition.
The mine "Mercedes" . The lode in this mine also runs in an
eastern and western direction, and consist of oxide of iron,
called paco by the natives, containing a considerable quantity
of silver. When this mine was last inspected, it contained a
large amount of mineral at sight.
The mine "Rosario". The body of the lode in this mine
consists of quartz in which sulphide of silver predominates.
206 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Other lodes of copper and pyrites of iron, with a large per-
centage of silver, have been traced in this mine. The old work-
ings are still open for inspection.
Various other mines exist in the districts under consideration,
but they are more or less of the same nature and exist under
similar conditions as those already described.
It has been reported that, not many years since, two com-
panies were formed to work the mines of Acay; but, as is
generally the case in this country, with too small a capital to
render effective the exploitation undertaken.
It is not to be expected that mines situated in such remote
places could be exploited with much advantage without
adequate capital, aided with facile and cheap transport.
The Mining District of San Antonio de los Cobres
The central part of this district is situated at a distance of
about 24 Va leaques in a direct line to the north west of the
town of Salta. Formerly it formed part of that province, but,
recently, it has been selected to form the capital of the Natio-
nal Territory of the Andes. The highest point in this locality
has been estimated at about 3700 metres above sea level.
This important mining district is divided into three distinct
parts, or mining regions. 1st. Qebradas de las Minas, or
Cabi, 2nd. Sanjeronimo, and 3rd. Los Cobres.
The mine "Concordia". This important mine is situated in
the lower part of a branch mountain called Cerro Bayo, in
the department of Poma. The height at which the mine is
located has been calculated at 4650 metres, above sea level
and, consequently, during the winter season heavy falls of
snow occur.
As previously indicated in the first chapter, this mine was
worked to a considerable extent by the Spaniards.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 207
A section of the mine, made in 1892, exhibits an old pit,
which had been sunk to a horizontal galliery, of 25 metres
and, also, that the level galliery had been driven from it in
opposite directions, the whole length of which measured 260
metres. It would seem that the attention of the ancient miners
was more directed to the extraction of the richer portions of
the mineral vein, leaving the poorer ones intact.
One of these rich bunches of ore extended below the
lower level, or galliery, to a depth of 25 metres, running for a
horizontal length of 25 metres. Several of such rich deposits
of ore were worked in various parts above and below the adit
or galliery referred to. The other exploring gallieries were
numerous; but considering that many of the old workings
were in a ruinous condition, it was impossible to obtain data
of the extent of the ore mined.
Considering that at that period so many other mineral veins
were discovered at the surface, from which ores could be
extracted at a cheaper rate, it is quite possible that this was
the reason why the works in the "Concordta" mine were
suspended by the Spaniards.
There is no information to hand referring to the length of
time the mine remained neglected, but we know that about
1885-7, Mr. Marcos Amar commenced to open up the old
workings, expending his own capital in proving the value of
the mine. Afterwards he was joined by some capitalists in
Salta, and the workings were continued. However, it would
appear that the works conducted in the mine consisted of
exploring headings with a view of opening up a large
quantity of ores at sight, but the bulk of the ore was not
extracted, consequently the whole of the capital subscribed
oy "La Compania Minera Argentina", with which Mr. Amar
was associated, was exhausted and the works in the mine
suspended.
208
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The mines forming this group were visited by engineers
on several occasions and reports made upon them showing
that they possessed great commercial value.
Samples of the ore were assayed by several chemists
including some specialists in London and also by Doctor
J. J. J. Kyle, chief of the Laboratory in the Government Mint
of Buenos Aires.
Many of these samples came into the hands of the writer, and
these were assayed in the laboratory of the National Depart-
ment of Mines and Geology with the following results.
N.° 4
MINES
Copper
%
Silver
%
Gold
%
"Concordia" ....
10-470
0-980
o-ooi
» ....
11-800
1-013
—
» ...
10-740
1-135
—
» ....
9-990
1-120
—
» ....
10-100
1-190
—
» ....
9-520
2-620
—
"Libertad" .....
14-280
1-450
—
»
16-550
1-522
—
»
16-870
1-219
"Progreso"
12-000
0-531
—
» .....
18-500
0-721
—
Other samples of minerals from the same mines were assay-
ed and gave the following results.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 5
MINES
Copper
%
Silver
ounces per ton
Gold
ounces per ton
"Progreso"
"Libertad"
10-60 67-50
9-00 70-00
i-oo
2-50
»
12-50
65-00
2-00
» ....
15-40
80-00
1-50
»
21-00
110-00
1-58
•»
5-50
82-00
1-75
»
9-50
73-00
3-00
"Concordia" ....
18-50
192-00
—
* ....
19-00
228-00
—
>/ ....
26-00
265-00
—
» ....
24-50
278-00
—
»
6-00
153-00
—
Afterterwards Mr. Marcos Amar introduced the mines "Con-
cordia", "Libertad" and "Progreso" to some London finan-
ciers, resulting in the formation of a syndicate to take over the
mines from the Argentine Company which Syndicate was re-
gistered on the 5th. of February 1896.
After the mines had been reported upon and much delay
occasioned, a formal company was registered on the 14th.
September 1899, under the title of "Concordia Consolidated
Company Limited", with a capital of £ 150,000.
Possession of the mines was obtained and works com-
menced and continued for some time but the management
would seem to be inadequate, resulting in the loss of much
time and capital without adequate returns. The London Di-
rectors found it necessary to change the management, and,
on this occasion, expensive machinery was sent from England
and installed at the mines. It seems that under this manage-
ment considerable sucess was achieved: still, some difference
of opinion existed between the members of the Board in
210
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
London and, consequently, it was decided to send out a
controling agent, and it is reported that this gentleman upset
the good management which had been instituted at the mines,
causing the resignation of the managing mining Engineer.
The company incurred some small debts which were not
regularly paid, and the creditors, taking advantage of the cir-
cumstances, instituted law preceedings which resulted in the
collapse of the company. Recently the machinery at the mi-
nes, which cost, probably, £ 10,000, was sold to an interested
party for the sum of 1500 paper dollars.
Whether this company was unduly pressed for payment
when they had no funds in the country in order to bring
about a general collapse, is a question; but one would sup-
pose that if the whole of the capital sum of £ 150,000 had not
been exhausted, the company would have provided for their
liabilities.
This group of mines is important and of great value as has
already been proved and, no doubt, if a sufficient amount of
capital were to be economically expended, good results would
be obtained.
Since the Territory of the Andes, or Puna de Atacama as it
was originally styled, came into the possession of the Natio-
nal Government, San Antonio de los Cobres has been cons-
tituted the capital of that territory and, consequently, the group
of mines we have discussed has passed from the jurisdiction
of the provincial government of Salta to that of the Nation.
The mines in question, therefore, will be granted with a
perfect title and under a more permanent protectorate than
that of a province.
The mine "Constancia". It has been reported that this mine
contains a mineral vein no less than 15 metres in thickness:
its principal contents consist of iron pyrities, mixed with copper
and silver ores. It has been proved to a small extent, but it is
not known how much of the vein is metallised.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 211
The mine "Santa Fer '. This mine contains a vein of galena,
mixed with antimony and arsenic, but no extensive workings
have been carried on in it. Near to this mine, several other
lodes, of a similar nature have been discovered.
The mine "Julia". Works have been carried on in this mine
to a depth of 30 metres, but there is no evidence present
regarding its productive qualities.
Another mine called " Victoria", has been located not far
from those previously described, and the veins of mineral
contained in it are of a similar class.
The second group of mines, "San Geronimo", is situated
about 3 leagues to the west of the Quebrada de las Minas.
The mines located there are "Restituta", "Andaclo", "Cata-
marquena", "San Geronimo", "Colombiana", "Fortuna" and
"Alicia".
Most of the mines contain veins of galena, yielding a
greater or lesser percentage of silver, but they have not
been proved to any great extent.
The mine "Alicia" contains a vein of antimony yielding
from 10 to 40 % of that metal.
In this district also exist other mines, such as "Pomena",
" Franciscana" , "San Nicolas", "Teresa" and "Guttenberg" .
It has been reported that the veins of mineral in the mines
alluded to consist of galena yielding as much as 105 ounces
of silver per ton. Various other mines of a similar class have
been discovered, and tested, in this district.
The third group of mines is situate4 to the north of San
Antonio. One of the principal of these contains copper lodes
of from 0*40 to 0'60 centimetres in thickness.
Mineral obtained from them has assayed over 30 % of
copper: however, considering that the veins in question
contain iron and copper pyrites in variable proportions, the
average produce of copper would be less than that given.
212 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Ancient mines exist at a distance of about 100 metres from
the entrance to the mine of copper we are now discussing
and It is known that these old mines were worked to a depth
of 45 metres, it being curious to note that near to the old
mines remains of an old reverbatory furnace have been dis-
covered.
Various other mines containing copper lodes also exist in
this district.
To the north of the Cerro de Acay, a noted mine called
"Eolo" was located, in which exists a vein of copper ore
mixed with oxide of iron and blende, but the writer has no
information as to its capacity of yield.
In the same locality other similar veins of mineral exist upon
which excavations were made in ancient times to a depth of
30 metres. A number of others have been examined but not
proved.
Extensive areas of auriferous sands have been worked in
ancient times in the district of San Antonio. These sands are
estimated to extend over 28 square leagues, and there is
evidence that the Indians extracted gold from these places by
the rude means then employed.
In the Department of Cachi extensive ancient gold washings
have been discovered extending to the level of the streams
passing trough the Calchaqui Valley, and gold dust is still
collected by the Indians in these districts. Two ancient adits
are also known to exist in the Department of Poma, and there
the gold was found to. exist in larger particles, leading the mi-
ners to believe that veins of mineral containing gold must have
existed and, probably, still exist in the higher regions.
It has been previously noted that numerous samples of mi-
neral containing copper, gold and silver have been found in
low level places, especially on the sides of the streams, and
from their general aspect and rounded form, it is evident that
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 213
such samples of mineral had been transported a long distan-
ce, which circumstance leads one to infer that a large num-
ber of mineral veins may yet be discovered. Such mineral veins
may be looked for in the Departments of Cafayate, Chicoana,
Valley de Lerma, Serranias de Salta and La Caldera.
The depth already reached in some of the mines of San An-
tonio de Los Cob res, is not sufficient to prove the riches that
may be expected from them, and the various veins which
have not been exploited; but the "Concord/a" is a good
guide in this respect. Considering, as previously noted, that
there could not exist much difference between the geolo-
gical formation of these regions and those of Bolivia, a general
opinion has been formed that the mineral of the mine "Con-
cordia", and others in the San Antonio district, is similar in
character to that obtained from the renowned mines of Huan-
chaca. We are, therefore, justified in inferring that the group
of mines in this district will prove of great importance in the
future.
On the north west side of the Quebrada de Acay, and at
about 1 league from the place called Orgamello, extensive
ancient gold workings are to be found, and there is evidence
that the auriferous mineral which had been treated was obtain-
ed from various small veins of ferruginous quartz which have
been traced there.
The entrance to these ancient mines has long since been
closed, still, the mineral existing in the spoil banks prove that
the auriferous quartz veins contain pyrites of iron and other
elements.
The sandy deposits on the sides of the small rivers Acaro-
que, Orgamello and Chorrillos contain gold and the Indians
still collect it from these as also from various other regions,
but there is evidence to prove that in ancient times such gold
washings were carried on upon an extensive scale and during
214 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
a considerable period of time. The processes, however, em-
ployed in those ancient times were of the rudest kind, and it
is highly probable that such workings may be traced back to
the Inca period.
In the neighbourhood of a place called Incachuli near to the
rise of a small river, Acaroque, other ancient gold washings
were carried on upon a large scale. The auriferous deposit at
this place consists of red gravel and sand, and in more modern
times the Indians have obtained from it nuggets of gold half
an ounce in weight.
All the gorges at higher altitudes contain auriferous sand
and debris in a greater or lesser degree, but these have been
neglected.
In recent times, some persons proposed to form a company
to exploit the gold washings of Incachuli, but the project does
not appear to have been carried out. It is reported that in
various other places, not clearly defined, that various auri-
ferous deposits, and, also, mineral veins containing gold, have
been traced but not exploited.
In the district of Canchari, various veins of mineral may
be traced containing copper, silver, gold and lead; and, also,
in the Cerro Curato and Medano veins of copper ore have
been discovered as, also, in Lari.
At a place called Turutiri, ancient mine workings have been
discovered, but these do not appear to have been reopened
in modern times.
It is reported, upon good authority, that certain miners from
Salta have obtained considerable benefit from the mines sit-
uated in the district of "Oro del Carmen"-, but the nature of
the mineral has not been described, however, we may infer
from the name of the district that the veins of mineral con-
tained gold.
Speaking in general terms, information is to hand that in
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
215
various other Departments in this province, important mines
have been discovered and that excellent results have resulted.
Mines of Molinos. In the valley of Amayeba a considerable
number of mines have been located: the veins ocurring in
them consist for the most part of Galena and copper.
In various localities, such as Lauracatao, the veins of mine-
ral discovered contain carbonates and sulpides of copper
intermixed with native copper, some of the veins contain
pyrites of iron and other mineral, yielding gold and silver.
In the Department of Cafayate a large number of mineral
veins exist and some of these have been proved to a few
metres in depth, and have yielded copper, gold and silver.
They run in a north and south direction and have considerable
thickness. It has been reported that one of the veins contains
native copper and gold.
In one of the Quebradas, to the west in the district of Punta
de Diaz, a large number of samples of Galena have been
discovered assaying but little silver. However, they incited the
curiosity of the miners who explored the higher regions, from
which it was believed the samples had fallen. Such investi-
gations were rewarded by the discovery of a considerable
number of ancient mines believed to have been worked
by the Indians and Spaniards. These old mines were not,
however, thoroughly examined, much less proved so as to
ascertain their productive capacity.
In the mountains which separate La Vina de Guachipas de
San Carlos, a vein of native copper containing gold has been
exploited, but the vein does not seem to have been continuous
and was considered by the native miners to have been lost.
In the Cerros of Rosario de Lerma, a large number of
ancient mines are known to exist, the veins consisting of
galena and pyrites, which have been worked to a considerable
depth, and, for this reason, would seem to indicate the latter
216 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
period of Spanish mining. The great depth attained in these
mines is an exceptional case.
Not many years since, works were placed in one of these
mines, but it does not appear that the results were satisfactory.
These mines are situated at places called Golgota, Cabrillas
and Cerro Negro, the first name of which seems to be very
significant and not over encouraging to those who may desire
to re-open these old mines. The attemps to open one of them,
as previously noted, nearly proved fatal for the reason that
an abundance of gas and water was encountered. It is
believed that Mr. John Pemberthy, previously referred to in the
description of La Rioja, was the engineer of the mines at the
time of this accident.
In the serranias of Salta and Caldera, and at a place called
Alejo, near to Cerro Negro and in the Pedrera, mines of
copper and galena also exist. Some of the veins contain car-
bonate and pyrites of copper, and also gold and silver: samples
obtained from these gave high percentages.
In the Department of Irua, a large number of mineral veins
have been discovered; but few of them proved.
In Santa Victoria exist also many mineral veins, but few of
them have been explored.
We have already, mentioned that lavaderos of gold, i. e.,
gold washings existed in various directions, and were con-
sidered in ancient times to be very important, but what they
may be capable of yielding under a good modern system of
mining is a question for the future.
The mines of antimony, previously referred to, also contain
silver, but whether these could be exploited with advantage
cannot be stated.
Veins of galena are abundant in this province, and the mi-
neral contained in them is presented in the usual form of sul-
phides and carbonates of lead, mixed with a certain percentage
of silver.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
217
The iron mineral existing in this province is generally found
in the form of peroxide and pyrites which elements pre-
dominate near to the districts of San Antonio de los Cobres,
Acay, Irua, Santa Victoria, and various other places.
This province also contains important deposits of Borate of
Lime, and in the Poma various concessions for this mineral
have been located. Other deposits of the same class of mineral
exist in the Department of Rosario de Lerma. These mines
are believed to possess great commercial value. The following
is a general analysis of this class of mineral.
N.° 6
Water 33'79
Sand 5-05
Oxide of iron . . . 0'39
Lime 12'81
Magnesia 0"32
Carbon. . .
Carbonic Acid.
Sulphuric »
Chlorine . .
Boric Acid
7-38
0-02
0-26
0-46
39-53
100-00 °/
The elements represented in the following table N.° 7 were
determined in the laboratory of the National Department of
Mines and Geology.
218
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 7
Copper
%
Silver
%
Copper
%
Silver Copper
% %
Silver
%
0.64
0-280
0-016
6-66
0-76
6-67
0-054
43-90
0-013
0-999
0274
1-40
0-182
6-50
—
—
1-144
0-64
0-104
48-50
0-120
0999
1-892
0-80
0-250
10-00
—
4-272
0-354
—
o-ioo
22-30
0-0032
50-830
0-136
—
0-009
0-368
0-054
0-70
— .
—
0-176
0-680
0-820
33-70
—
—
0-030
2-106
0-356
30-90
—
—
0-124
—
0-154
34-50
—
—
1-858
0-158
0-068
40-60
—
11-10
0-658
24-640
1-366
1-40
—
10-43
0-556
. —
0-208
— —
—
9-77
0-580
23-430
—
. —
—
0-888
1-022
2-370
0-017
—
—
—
0-718
3-986
0-208
—
—
10-43
0-069
3-056
0'088
—
—
29-30
0-072
20-202
. — .
—
—
12-43
0-678
16-539
1-209
—
—
2-75
—
14-985
0-700
—
—
1-95
0-003
5-106
0-222
—
—
7-65
• —
—
0-230
—
—
The percentages of copper and silver contained in the
above table N.° 7 were obtained from assays of a few of the
common samples of mineral which were obtained from the
mines of this province.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
219
N.° 8
Copper Silver
% %
Ounces of
silver per
english ton
Copper Silver
% %
Ounces of
silver per
english ton
064
0-280
100-35
14-985
0-70
6-67 0-054
19-35
5-106
0-222
250-88
1-40 0-182
65-22
—
0-23
79-56
0-64 0-104
37-27
6-66
0-76
82'43
8-80 0-250
89-60
0-999
0-274
272-33
—
o-ioo
35-84
—
1-144
98-19
—
0-009
3-37
0-999
1-892
410-00
—
0-176
63-07
—
. — .
678-08
—
0-030
10-75
4-272
0-354
—
—
0-124
44-44
—
- —
126-87
—
1-858
665-90
—
—
—
11-10
0-658
235-83
50-83
0-136
—
10-43
0-556
199-27
- —
—
48-74
9-77
0-580
207-87
0-70
—
—
—
—
—
33-70
—
—
0-888
1-022
366-27
—
0-718
257-32
30-90
—
—
10-43
0-069
24-73
—
—
—
29-30
0-072
25-80
—
. —
—
12-43
0-678
242-98
34-50
_
2-75
—
— -
40-60
—
—
1-95
0-003
1-07
7-65
—
—
1-40
—
—
- —
0-016
5-73
55-203
—
- —
43-90
0-013
4-65
35-371
—
—
6-50
—
—
58-373
—
—
48-50
0-120
43-00
—
—
—
10-00
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
12-152
—
— -
22-30
0-0032
1-79
7-595
— -
—
0-368
0-054 19-35
11-935
—
— •
0-68
0-82
29-38
20-211
—
—
2-106
0-356
127-59
1 —
—
—
220
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 9
Copper
%
Silver
%
Ounces of
silver per
english ton
Copper of
%
Silver
%
Ounces of
silver per
english ton
0-154
55-19
0-158
0-068
24-36
24-64
1-366
489-57
—
0208
74-55
—
23-43
— .
—
2-37
0-017
6-10
The above tables N.os 8 and 9, represents assays of a second
series of samples of mineral obtained from the mines of this
province, and may be taken to represent the general yield.
Extensive deposits of salt have been discovered as, also,
deposites of lignite of excellent quality, an analysis of which
will be given in the chapter dealing with the question of coal.
From all the most authentic information attainable we can
only arrive at the conclusion that this province possesses great
mineral wealth; but it is situated to the north of the Republic
and is not so accessible as the mining provinces further south;
for which reason it has not received so much attention. There
is, nevertheles, every reason to believe that this province will
have a prosperous mining future.
CHAPTER IX
Mines and Mining in the Province of Jujuy
This important province has a very irregular form, and its
southern part is surrounded on all sides by the boundary
line of the province of Salta; its northern portion is limited
towards the south west by Chile: to the north by Bolivia and
east by part of the province of Salta.
It extends over an area of 4Q'162 square kilometres, and is
the smallest of all the mining provinces of this Republic. It is
an exceedingly mountainous province, and some of these
attain great elevation.
The capital of Jujuy has been estimated to have an altitude
of 1300 metres above sea level; but the surrounding
mountains rise towards the north, where, on the frontier line
of Chile, Sapelari, attains an elevation of 5350 metres. Still
further towards the north the mountain ranges of Esmecaco
have an elevation of 5400 metres. The eastern mountain
ranges are a little lower. That of Yavi has an altitude of 3986
metres.
This province is admirably situated prossessing similar
geological conditions to that of Salta and the southern part
222 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of Bolivia, consequently its mineral riches ought to be great.
The Cerros of Cobalonga, Santa Catalina, Cochinoco,
Aguilar, Zenta, Calilegua, Barbara traverse the province in a
northern and southern direction, from which there are various
branches and ramifications with deep gorges, in all directions
covering a large extent of land.
The Department of Catalina is situated in the northwestern
portion of the province, its northern extremity abutting against
a portion of Bolivia. Many auriferous quartz veins have
been discovered in this district most of them running in a
northern and southern direction; but there is no reliable
evidence to hand referring to their productiveness. Another
series of similar auriferous quartz veins exist in that noted
place called Rinconada, and some of these are reported to
have great thickness. There also exists another series of thin
veins crossing the larger ones. History informs us that in a
branch of one of these cross veins the ancient indians extracted
gold in bar, but the works were not continued to a greater
depth than from 15 to 20 metres.
It would seem that originaly this mine was called "Rosario",
indicating that it was worked by the early Spaniards. The
name of the mine was afterwards changed to that of "Cruz
del Slid". The thickness of the auriferous veins are variable
ranging from a few centimetres up to 2 metres. It is reported
that in the mine "Blanca", several veins of mineral unite
forming a vein of 15 metres in thickness. This vein of auriferous
mineral may be traced for a considerable distance, and there
is evidence that ancient works were made upon it at various
points.
Some years since an adit was commenced from the side of
the mountain at the level of the valley and driven through the
rocks for a long distance, intersecting in its course several
veins of mineral, the thickness of which ranged from 8 centi-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 223
metres up to 1 metre. The mineral extracted from these
auriferous veins was treated in a small Establishment, Timon
Cruz, situated close to La Rinconada; but there is no data to
hand referring to the results obtained.
On many occasions the writer examined various samples of
auriferous quartz from the mines of this district and nearly all
contained native gold. No doubt, selected samples would
present a large proportion of gold, but this could not be
accepted as a common assay produce such as would result
from the treatment of many tons of auriferous quartz. It
would appear that the auriferous quartz veins of this district
have proved exceedingly rich at the surface, and, also, that
at considerable depth the produce diminished. It has
been reported that the auriferous quartz extracted from the
adit, previously noted, yielded at the rate of from 1 to 1*5
ounces of gold per ton.
It is believed that a new syndicate has been formed in
London with a capital of £ 6000, to prove the productive
qualities of the auriferous quartz veins in this district and
that, recently, works have been commenced for the object
indicated. If success should be obtained no doubt a strong
company will be formed to exploit the gold mines in this
department upon a large scale.
At a distance of about 4 leagues to the south east of the
Rinconada a mining district exists containing many veins
of galena. One of the principal mines located there
contains a vein of mineral 33 inches in thickness. These
mines were also known to the ancient Indians who extracted
the silver by primitive modes. In modern times ores have
been extracted yielding as much as 207 ounces of silver per
ton.
All the reports agree that a large number of auriferous
quartz veins exist in various parts of this province, capable of
224 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
yielding sufficient gold to justify the expendieture of capital in
their exploitation.
Considering that a practical proof is now being made in the
Rinconada district, the success or failure of this syndicate will
facilitate or retard the formation of other companies for the
exploitation of the numerous auriferous veins to which we
have referred. No doubt this is too much a rule in the mining
commercial world, but it is not strict justice to the general mining
interest, for the reason that some mining enterprises may fail
from various causes and circumstances which, in all probability,
would not in any way apply to other mines. In fact, it is
a rule that every mine must stand or fall upon its own merits.
Generally the gold is distributed throughout the vein in
minute grains. There are, however, exceptions and on one
occasion the writer inspected a nugget of gold from these
regions which weighed Q2 grammes. Another nugget, pro-
bably the largest ever obtained in this country, was
exhibited in Buenos Aires, some years since weighing 4 £ kilos.
A model of this nugget is still retained in the mineral museum
of the National Offices of mines and geology.
The auriferous quartz vein called "Cordobesa" also runs
in a northern and southern direction and some excavations
have been made upon it to the depth of 25 metres. The
mineral extracted yielded from 80 to 150 grammes of gold
per ton.
The mine "Portend' contains an auriferous quartz vein
which has been exploited to the depth of 22 metres, with a
reported yield of from 83 to 140 grammes of gold per ton.
The mine "Riojana" has also been exploited to a depth
of 15 metres, and as yielded at the rate of from QO to 160
grammes of gold per ton.
The mine "Carmen Alta" is said to contain an auriferous
quartz vein of 15 metres in thickness, yielding from 20 to 25
grammes of gold per ton.
OF
-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
225
The mine "Delftna", situated in the Rinconada, is reported
to contain an auriferous quartz vein yielding 28 grammes of
gold per ton.
The mine "Pampa Coya", contains a vein of mineral
running in an eastern and western direction, having a thick-
ness of 6 metres and yielding at the rate of 30 grammes of
gold per ton.
The mine "Santo Domingo" has been worked to a depth of
40 metres and the mineral extracted from it yielded 40 gram-
mes of gold per ton.
Various other auriferous veins of minerat also exist in the
same district.
The writer possesses no information referring to the quantity
of mineral obtained from the veins referred to.
In the Cerro of Cabalonga exist a vein of auriferous quartz
running in a northern and southern direction, and at a depth
of 20 metres the yield was 35 grammes of gold per ton.
Various other auriferous quartz veins exist in this district,
some of which have been proved to a depth of 10 metres with
a variable yield of gold per ton.
In various branches of the lower mountains in this province
many ancient mines have been discovered, some of which
were worked for copper, gold and silver. In modern times,
some attention has been directed to these mines with a view to
their exploitation, but there is no evidence to show that formal
companies with sufficient capital have engaged in their deve-
lopment. The fact that the ancient Indians and Spaniards
worked these mines to advantage ought to be a sufficient
incentive to others to attempt to exploit them.
Various engineers and geologists have visited the mines in
this province on the part of Companies, or intended companies,
but no proportionate permanent benefit has accrued to the
province or the country at large from such investigations.
226 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
However, the provincial government should not hesitate longer
in procuring a thorough official inspection of this province
with a view of determining, as far as may be possible, the
mineral resources and probable beneficial exploitation of the
mines in the future.
Of the various concessions of mines obtained from time to
time in this province may be noted a group of 17 pertenen-
cias, or concessions of mines, some of which are named "La
Cata", "Nuestra Senora del Rosario", "La Andrea", "La
Sofia", "Rivadavia", "Jujena, "Pombal", "Maria", "Elvi-
ra", "La Elena" and "La Fortuna", the last of which em-
braces 7 pertenencias. These mines are situated at a distance
of 45 kilometres to the north of the town of Jujuy. The region
in which the mines exist is difficult of access.
The mine Jujena forms the centre of the group, and the
principal vein of mineral in it runs in an eastern and western
direction inclining towards the south. It is a well formed
vein. At one time these mines belonged to a native Com-
pany, but the workings carried on upon the veins were not
extensive, in fact, the excavations made were confined, more
or less, to the surface, only sufficient to prove their quality
and richness. Their thickness is variable, some being estimated
up to 4 metres and the mineral extracted from them consisted
of galena mixed with grey copper, iron pyrites and quartz and
sometimes blende.
The yield from the mineral has been reported to be at the
rate of from 300 to 1600, and up to 2600 grammes of silver per
ton. There is no data to hand referring to the yield of copper,
so that it may be inferred that it is low in percentage.
This group of mines was examined in 1898 for the object of
forming a Company for their exploitation and it was proposed
to erect water jacket furnaces for the reduction of the mineral.
It appears that fundents, such as carbonate of lime and oxide
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 227
of iron, were abundant in the neighbourhood so that the
reduction of the mineral would not have presented any difficul-
ty. It was intended to run down the ores to the form of lead
bars and to extract the silver by the ordinary process of cup-
pelation, and for the treatment of the copper, electricity would
have been employed and the water-falls utilised as a motive
power. The estimated capital required amounted to£ 16.000,
but the same engineer afterwards considered that if the exploi-
tation were to be carried on upon a large scale £ 40.000 would
be necessary.
No account can be given in this work of the assessed cost
of working and benefit to be derived from the capital invested
because the statements are not clear nor the results arrived at
certain.
It was believed that the exploitation of this group of mines
would prove a source of great riches to the Company engaged
in it, as also benefit to the province, and further the conclusion
was arrived at that it was certain that the provincial and natio-
nal governments would assist such a Company by all possible
means. However, if the national government were to be urged
to assist every projected Company for the exploitation of the
mines, all the national resources would not be sufficient for
that purpose.
Previous to 1893, Messrs Torre Brothers, of Buenos Aires,
formed a Company called "La Aurifera Jujena", to exploit
the mines "Buena Esperanza" and "Buena Vista", situated
at Aljadrez: the auriferous sand deposits existing at a place
called La Puerta de la Quebrada de Colpayo; the auriferous
deposits, gold washings, in the locality termed Campo del
Aventadero: the auriferous deposits at the Campo Toreo and
also some other gold mines.
It was not proved by any public returns that the writer has
inspected what yield of gold could be obtained, or was
228 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
obtained from the mines under consideration and, consequen-
tly, there is nothing to justify an assessment of their commer-
cial value, in fact from the circumstances it may be inferred
that this company made no formal or extensive workings in
the mines, for, we find that, 18Q3, the Company made a
petition to the provincial government for an extension of time
for a period of two years. It would also appear that the mines
in question are situated at a distance of about 370 kilometres
in a north west direction from Jujuy, in the district before
referred to i. e., Aljedrez.
Some of the engineers who have visited this district say
that the gold is distributed throughout the whole of this zone,
and further that, if only one fourth part of the auriferous
deposits were to be taken, it would amount to 60,000,000 cubic
metres in favourable conditions for exploitation. It is also calcu-
lated that the thickness of these auriferous deposits varies from
15 to 30 metres and, also, that the necessary sum required to
exploit them would amount to £ 40,000. The cost of ex-
ploitation has been estimated at 11 cents, gold, but the
absolute yield of gold per cubic metre is not given. It has,
also, been stated that if the gold washings only yielded O'ISO
grains of gold per cubic metre, the exploitation would produce
great benefit; but as this is only a probability, the yield may be
much less rendering a profit improbable, but it is also pos-
sible that the yield may be greater than the estimate.
The yield of gold from such immense tracts of auriferous
sand and conglomerate deposits, to form a basis upon which
to expend large capital sums could hardly be guaranteed sup-
posing that, for a proof only 50 or 100 cubic metres, had been
treated from each section containing 1,000,000 square metres;
but we have it stated that the trial excavations made in the
auriferous deposits were at a great distance, one from the
other, so that whether the intermediate areas were richer
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 229
or poorer has to be proved. We cannot learn that the
exploitation proprosed was ever carried out.
The small population at La Rinconada is not altogether of
modern date, and the locality has been estimated to have an
altitude of 3Q20 metres.
The Rinconada, has become historic throughout the Republic
on account of its rich auriferous deposits, which have been
reported to extend along the bottom of the valley, qwbrada,
for a distance of 4 kilometres. Those who have inspected
this locality, one of the principal of which was the late
Mr. Huniken, of Chilecito, stated that the land near the small
village referred to has been removed, and that the remains of
ancient indian workings may still be traced.
Some few years since it was reported that one of the lakes
of this province contained gold, and it was further urged as
evidence that the periodical inundations caused the lake to
overflow carrying with it a few grains of gold which were
deposited at lower levels. Taking advantage of this story, two
adventurers came to Buenos Aires, procured an interview
with a very high official for the object of representing that
the lake contained an immense amount of gold, sufficient,
indeed, to pay off the national debt, and give fortunes to all
concerned. This story had the desired effect, and a sum of
money was advanced to drain the lake. However, no evidence
has come to hand that it ever took place.
Like all the other mining provinces of the Republic, that
of Jujuy, has been visited by various Engineers, for the purpose
of discovering mines for company purposes, but the results
have not yielded the benefit which was expected to accrue
from such investigations. Many pamphlets have been pu-
blished from time to time upon this province, the principal of
which was that of the late Doctor Brackenbusch, upon the
Petroleum district of the Laguna de la Brea. He arrived at the
230 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
conclusion that a large quantity of petroleum existed in that
district, and such an opinion, expressed by a man of science
drew public attention and finally, in order to develope the
petroleum districts of Mendoza and Jujuy, a foreign geologist
was appointed who conducted perforations in the provinces
named. In the two places selected in the province of Jujuy
perforations were made to considerable depth, but no be-
neficial results were obtained and consequently the works
were abandoned. This resolution adopted by the company
must have been severely felt by the geologist, who had
previously formed such a favorable opinion upon the pro-
ductive qualities of these petroleum camps.
It has been stated that the works were abandoned for the
want of sufficient capital.
It is certain that an oily substance is apparent upon the
waters of the Laguna de la Brea, which has been considered
by geologists to issue from the rocks of the neigbourhood,
and this led to the formation of the opinion that large deposits
of petroleum exist in this district.
The first Mining Engineer of the National Government
offices of Mines and Geology, Mr. Carlos A. Lynes Hoskold,
was commissioned by the then Minister of Agriculture, Com-
merce and Industries, Doctor Garcia Merou, to visit the
districts under consideration with a view of determining the
extent, value and application of a deposit of Asphalt which
was reported to exist at a place called Garapatal situated at a
short distance from the important and extensive sugar
manufactory belonging to Messrs. Leach and C.° The report
of the Engineer referred to, which is intended to be included
in this work, shows that the Asphalt deposit was of a limited
extent and did not possess the value attributed to it.
An American Engineer, expert in Asphalt deposits and
connected with the Trinidad Company also visited this repor-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 231
ted Asphalt deposit at the place referred to, and was in accord
with the conclusions arrived at by the National Government
Mining Engineer, previously alluded to.
The report of the latter, contains a very important discus-
sion upon the mineral resources of this province, and among
the ideas emitted, is that which proves the existence of petro-
leum, and that the former explorations which had been carried
on by the company, previously mentioned, were not suf-
ficient to prove the existence or non-existence of deposits
of petroleum in payable quantities. It was also suggested in
the same report that in order to solve this important question
other perforations should be made further to the north.
All the explorations which have been carried on in this
province prove to a demonstration, that in various depart-
ments numerous veins of copper ore exist, some of which
have been tested and others remain in a virgin condition; but
the writer is convinced that if they were to be practically
examined it would be found that they offer every condition
for a favourable exploitation and that if sufficient capital were
to be raised and applied under adequate administration good
results would be obtained.
CHAPTER X
Mines and Mining in the Province of Mendoza
This province is situated to the south of that of San Juan,
to the west of that of San Luis, to the south it is bounded by
the northern limits of the National Territory of Neuquen, and
to the west by a portion of the eastern limits of the Chilian
Republic. Its area, according to official estimates, is 146/378
square kilometres.
It is celebrated for its important mineral springs, one of the
most notable of which is that near to the renowned Puente del
Inca, (Bridge of the Incas) over which the road passes which,
leads through the valley of Uspallata, to Chilie.
The writer has already expressed himself upon the gold
mines, and the mining operations carried on in this province
by the ancient Indians and Spaniards, in the 1st. Chapter.
Some years since the government of this province initiated
an exposition in the town of Mendoza, capital of the pro-
vince, under the title of "Inter-provincial", and on that occa-
sion much energy and ingenuity was displayed. A valuable
collection of minerals was obtained from the mines then
under exploitation, forming one of the most interesting and
234 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
important sections of provincial produce that figured in the
exhibition.
As is the case in all the andine provinces, the mountains of
this province extend over a large area, and in the various
districts situated in such elevated regions the mines exist.
The principal classes of economic commercial minerals
consist of copper, gold, silver, lead, coal, marble, petroleum,
building material, etc.
The mines of this province were exploited by the Spaniards,
and since that epoch the concessions granted by the provin-
cial governments have received, at various epochs, conside-
rable attention. Nevertheless, the mines have not hitherto been
worked in a continuous manner. Such intervals have arisen
from various causes, but after the abandonment of some of
the mines, others with more spirit, perseverance and, possibly
capital, have again obtained the rights of concession of the
same mines with a view to their exploitation.
In the chapter which we have set apart for the discussion
of general subjects, we shall have occasion to enter more
fully in detail upon this subject.
When the National Government ordered a general inspec-
tion of the mines of this Republic, some years since, the writer
commissioned some of the Engineers of the then National De-
partment of Mines and Geology, to examine and report upon
the condition of the mines in this province, and as there has
been, since that epoch, but little attention paid to the mining
industry, from a formal point of wiew, some of the informa-
tion then obtained will be incorporated in this chapter.
The mountains to the east of great Cordillera de los Andes
are called precordilleras, and the highest point in these is that
called Aconcagua, situated about in latitude 32° 40' south, and
longitude 69° 57' 30" west of Greenvich, the height of which
has been calculated to be 24,000 feet above sea level.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 235
Mr. Fitz Gerald, formed an expedition some few years since
with the object of making an ascension, but he was unable to
effect his proposition attaining only an elevation of 23,000 feet.
It was however reported that his swiss guide reached the
sumit; but we do not, however, hear that any mineral veins
were discovered by them.
The Mineral Districts and Nature of the Minerals found
in Them
1 . La Cortaderita. . . Mines of gold and silver.
2. Uspallata .... " " silver.
3. La Pintada .... " " silver and lead.
4. North " " gold.
5. South " " gold.
6. Las Choicas. ... " " copper, gold and silver.
In the first named district the mines "Carmen", " Verde",
"Brillante", Esperanza" and others are located.
The mineral veins in these mines consist of Galena; but
some of them have yielded gold and silver.
The mine "Negrtta", contains a vein 1'20 metres in thick-
ness, but no works of great interest have been placed upon it.
The greatest depth reached was 18 metres.
A large sample obtained from this mine gave the following
assay:
Silver 11 -650 kilos per ton
Gold 0-148 " " "
Lead 52'OOQ " " "
The mine "Esperanza", has been exploited and contains 5
distinct veins, that is to say, the "Esperanza", the "Panchita",
236
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
"Veto, de Agua", the "Ernestina" and the "Manuela", all of
which run in an eastern and western direction.
The principal mineral vein appears to be the Esperanza,
which was cut at the end of a gallery driven in from the side
of the mountains for a distance of 32 metres.
It has been reported that a considerable amount of rich mi-
neral has been extracted from it, the average yield of which is
said to have amounted to 20 kilos of silver per ton. Some of the
parcels of ore extracted assayed 32 kilos of silver per ton. The
mineral was sent to Europe. Other samples yielded:
10*120 kilos of silver per ton and
290 grammes of gold per ton.
It appears that in depth the silver decreased and the gold in-
creased.
There are various other mineral veins of this class in this dis-
trict, but there is no data to hand affording evidence as to
their productive capacity.
One of the persons of the mining office of this province,
stated that no formal exploitation, according to a good
modern system, has as yet been organised and applied to
these mines, and so free the mines from the destrutive ele-
ment, of adventurous miners who run over the mountains,
making small pits, or excavations, with a hope of discovering
and extracting some rich superficial deposits of mineral, filling
them in afterwards with debris and so rendering the veins
more difficult to be dealt with when a formal explotation is
undertaken.
This is undoubtedly true, but it demonstrates the laxity of
the provincial mining authorities in not enforcing the exact
compliance with the dispositions of the National Code of
mines.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 237
In the mining district of the Cortaderita, some of the mines
already described, appear to offer every condition of success
supposing that their exploration were carried on with suffi-
cient capital, and under a good and economic system of ma-
nagement.
The Mining District of Paramillo de Uspallata
This mining district is situated in the southern part of the
precordillera of the Tontal range of Mountains in the pro-
vince of San Juan, and its altitude has been calculated at about
2,862 metres above sea level, being located by some in lati-
tude 32° 28' 47" south, and 69° 7' 31" west of Greenwich.
The formation has been doubtfully classified as apertaining
to the Rhatic formation, but the characteristic fossil of that
formation, the Avicula Contorta, has not been discovered.
In this district several veins of galena have been worked,
and various companies have carried on mining operations in
this region, but it is not known whether a sufficient benefit
was derived upon the capital invested. If it could be proved in
the negative, it is doubtful whether it arose from inadequate
management, or the poorness of the ores The writer is inclined
to believe that the fault may not be traced to the inferior quality
of the ores.
The mineral veins are composed of carbonate of iron in
which the galena is found. In some of the veins other elements
enter such as blende, quartz, etc., exist.
Mining District of La Pintada, or Piedra de Afilar
This district is situated at a distance of about 36 kilometres
to the west of the town of San Rafael (Department of 25 de
Mayo).
238 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The mine "Celfa", ocupies nearly the centre of this district
which has been calculated to be in latitude 34° 30' 35" south,
and 68° 44' 22" longitude west of Greenwich.
It has an altitude above sea level of 1088 metres, and
extends over an area of 5 square leagues.
The mineral existing in these veins consists of galena, cop-
per, iron pyrites, etc.
Various mines have been conceded in this district, and
about 15 of these have been exploited at various times, but as
the veins of mineral have but slight variation it is not necessary
to describe the whole of them.
The mine "Infterno"; after this mine had been abandoned,
it was again granted in 18Q6. The outcroppings of the vein
of mineral may be traced for a distance of 500 metres in a
direction of south 26° west, inclining at an angle of 5.° 30'
towards the east. The thickness of the vein averages from
20 to 50 centimetres and is composed of argentiferous lead
mixed with pyrites of copper carrying silver, and gold.
The workings in the mine have been continued to a depth
of 35 metres, and the ore extracted was formerly taken to Chi-
le. The yield was at the rate of.
Silver 1*250
Gold . . 0.045
kilos per ton.
with a considerable quantity of copper and lead.
An adit of 43 metres in length has been driven from the side
of the mountain to intersect the mineral vein. Various other
parallel veins of the same nature exist in this mine.
The mine Celia. This mine has been worked more than
any other in this district. The vein of mineral runs in a direc-
tion of north 12° east, and has a thickness of 30 centimetres.
It is composed of argentiferous lead, iron pyrites etc., and at
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 23Q
the surface it was comparatively poor, but became richer in
depth.
The mine was abandoned from 1877 to 1892, when it was
again obtained in concession. A cross vein was opened up,
and yielded a considerable amount of silver.
The mine "Transito". In this mine the principal vein of
mineral runs in the direction of north 43° east, and has a
thickness of 96 centimetres, composed of argentiferous lead,
with iron pyrites, which have yielded at the rate of 2'630 kilos
of silver per ton with a large quantity of lead.
A gallery has been driven into the mine for the object of
draining the water and extraction of the ore.
It has been considered that this vein of mineral is the most
important in the whole district.
Deposits of Coal
The districts containing indications of carboniferous beds,
have been visited by Engineers and Geologists, more than any
of the other mining zones in this province, and, considering
that all the reports emanating from the so called studies refer-
ring to the regions, were of the same character, indefinite and
impractical, the writer commissioned one of the Engineers of
the then National Department of Mines and Geology, to visit,
examine and report upon and determine the commercial value
of the coal field. The report presented by the Engineer was
published in 1897.
The Engineer, in question, Don Florencio Martinez de Hoz,
stated that this coal-field is situated at a distance of 300 kilome-
tres in a south western direction from the capital, Mendoza,
and at a distance of 150 kilometres from the village of San
Rafael, in the region of the precordillera.
240 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Three concessions, or mines, denominated "Mitre", "Eloistf
and "Roca" had been conceded.
The altitude of the first named was estimated at 2000 metres
above sea level, and the bed of coal contained in it has a
direction of east and west inclining towards the north, but it
seems that the direction changes at within a short distance.
The concessions or mines "Eloisa" and "Roca", are situated
at a distance of about from 7 to 8 kilometres in a northern
direction from the "Mitre", and at an altitude of 3,200 metres
above sea level. It is stated that the beds of coal is from 80 to
100 centimetres in thickness at a depth of 11 metres.
Others, however, have estimated the thickness at from 80
centrimetres to 4 metres. Between these estimates there is a
great difference, and can only be reconciled upon the grounds
that some persons have mistaken the direction in which
measurements should be taken in order to determine the proper
thickness.
The writer has frequently found it necessary to explain the
simple problem that the thickness of a vein of mineral should
always be taken in a direction at right angles with the dip of
the vein, still, after all this, it has been affirmed to the contrary,
and consequently there are those who have taken an opening
upon the direction of the outeroppings to be the thickness of
a bed of coal and thus it has been stated that it has 4 or
some other number of metres in thickness.
The coal measures in this locality have been much distur-
bed changing the direction of the outeroppings, within a short
distance, but the quality of the coal is excellent, although very
friable.
The disturbed strata is seen to greater advantage near to
the mine "Transito", 2500 metres above sea level.
This concession contains 4 seams of coal of about 40 centi-
metres in thickness each.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 241
There is, also, a difference of opinion as to the geological
age of this coal formation. The Engineer, above referred to,
believes that the rocks belong to the inferior part of the Lias.
However, the opinion of Doctor Rodolfo Zuber, is that this
coal field may not be newer than the Permian, but in the ab-
sence of fossils characteristic of this formation, which do not
appear to have been discovered, we must infer that the correct
age of the rocks in which the coal beds exist has not yet been
accurately determined.
This coal has been analyzed by several persons, but the
most important is that made by Doctor Kyle chief of the la-
boratory of the government Mint.
A preliminary trial gave the following results:
Fixed carbon 47*81 %
Gases and volatile matter . . 49*51 "
Water 2*05 "
Ash. 0-63 "
100-00
After eliminating the water and ash, an analysis gave the
following yield:
Hydrogen 8'63°/0
Oxygen 25-12 "
Carbon 60*59 "
Nitrogen 1*43 "
Sulphur 4-23 "
100-00
The specific gravity of the coal was found to be 1*173 and
its calorific power 5*485.
After having made several chemical and other scientific stu-
di es of the ash, derived from the coal, Doctor Kyle, made the
242
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
interesting discovery that it contained vanadic acid'm quanti-
ties of commercial value. This was the first occasion on which
this valuable element was known to exist in coal. No doubt
various celebrated chemists have assayed the ash of coals of
other countries on many occasions, and if vanadic acid had
been detected, all the scientific journals and papers would
have published the facts, but no such notices have been given,
consequently the honour of this important discovery must be
accorded to Doctor Kyle.
A complete analysis made by him is given below:
Soluble in
Nitric acid
Insoluble in
Nitric acid
Pentoxide of vanadium ( V2 O5 ). . . 38'22
Phosphoric pentoxide 0'71
Sulphuric anhidride 12'06
Calcium oxide 8*44
Ferric oxide 4'98
Aluminium oxtde 3*32
Potassium oxide 1'72
Silicic anhydride 13*70
Ferric oxide
Aluminium oxide
Magnesium oxide
Traces not determined of chlorine
manganese, magnesia and loss.
9-42
5-26
0-83
1-33
100-00
The weight of the ash in an English ton of this coal at the
rate of 063°/0, would amount to 14'11 Ibs., and as the vana-
dic acid is at the rate of 38'22 °/0) the weight of acid would
amount to 5'39 Ibs., which at 17s /5d per pound, the average
value price of the acid, likely to be obtained in the market the
total value of the acid contained in a ton of coal would amount
to £4 14s6dl/2.
Doctor Kyle found that from a treatment of the Vanadic
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 243
Acid in an ammonical extract, 80°/0 of the quantity existed in
the form of a free anhidride, and that 20 °/0 existed in combi-
nation with oxide of iron and alumina.
The writer exhibited samples of this coal at the Chicago
Exhibition in 1893, for which a prize was awarded; he also
brought this scientific discovery before the notice of the Jury
of Awards, and the highest award was accorded to Doctor
Kyle, for his interesting and important discovery.
Much curious speculative inquiry may be entered into
referring to the mode in which the Vanadic Acid found its
way into the coal, but no acceptable theory can be advanced,
unless the acid is proved to exist in all parts of the coal at great
depths. If it should so exist, then it must have been derived
from some independent source and deposited at the time when
the coal bed was in formation; but if it should not so exist,
then it would prove that it was infiltrated into the coal seam
near the surface after the carboniferous beds were formed.
These coal beds have not been sufficiently worked to
enable one to form a correct opinion as to the area over
which the coal basin extends. There is however, no reason to
fear that the importance of this coal field will not be appre-
ciated when a branch railway is constructed connecting it with
the main trunk line.
Northern Gold Mining District
Department of Las Heras
This district is situated at a distance of about 80 kilometres
in a northern direction from the town of Mendoza, and has an
altitude of about 2Q40 metres, above sea level.
There are but few mines in this district, the best known
being "Al fin halladcT, "Salvadora" and "Deseada", and
244 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
there appears to be four mineral veins upon which works
have been placed.
Some years since a small company was formed in Men-
doza to exploit these mines, and a stamp mill was erected to
treat the mineral extracted, but so badly was it put up that
when the machine was set in motion many of its parts
immediately gave way and it had to be abandoned. Here
again we trace the want of technical skill in conducting such
operations, but it is only a repetition of what has taken place
all over the mining districts of the Republic.
Southern Gold Mining District
Department of Las Heras
This district is situated a distance of about 15 leagues in a
northern direction from Mendoza, and has an altitude of 3025
metres above sea level.
The principal mines, which have attracted attention from a
remote period, are called "Boques", " Mascarena" , "Tri-
nidad", etc.
The veins of mineral contain oxide and pyrites of iron,
and auriferous copper in a ferruginous quartz base.
The chief of the office of mines in Mendoza has reported
upon these veins as follows: It has not been possible to
obtain mineral samples from these mines necessary to control
what has been said about their richness. However, the
character of the veins themselves, goes to prove that there
exists a great variation in the percentage of the metal derived.
The late Mr. Castells, of Buenos Aires, endeavoured to
secure these mines some few years since, with a view of
forming a syndicate, to exploit them, but although he expended
a considerable sum in endeavouring to negotiate, still he found
it necessary to abandon the project.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 245
There are various reports current referring to the cause of
the failure; but it would not be good policy to enter into any
such details. Nevertheless, we have cited quite sufficient, and
is possible that these mines may again to come to the front.
Whether they are good, bad or indifferent the writer has
no evidence to show.
Copper Mineral District of the Choicas
Department of the 25th. Mayo
The mineral district of Las Choicas, or Cajon de la For-
titna, was discovered in 1875, the fortunate discoverers being
Messrs. Labarca and Bobadilla, and they believed, as others
do to day, that these mines are the richest hitherto discovered
in the Cordillera de los Andes.
Since that period, various other copper lodes of less value
have been found in the same district, so that many persons in
this province are of opinion that this a very important mining
district.
It extends over an area of about 2 square leagues, and is
situated at an altitude of about 3,270 metres above sea level.
The veins of copper ore existing in these mines run in the
direction of north and south, and, at the surface, the principal
vein, Choicas, measured no less than 32 metres, but at a
certain depth it diminished to from 8 to 10 metres in
thickness.
The outcroppings of this vein can be traced for a distance
of 600 metres. The ore consists of Chalcopyrite and other
classes of copper, such as, for example, Bornite, the body of
the vein consisting of ferruginous matter and quartz.
Large parcels of mineral extracted from the vein Choicas
assayed.
246
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Copper
Silver .
Gold .
But the average
lows:
480-000
2-300 kilos per ton.
0-021 )
produce of the mine may be taken as fol-
Copper .
Silver . .
Gold
300-000
1-600
0-016
kilos per ton.
It has been estimated that for an average depth along that
part of the vein visible at the surface, the mine contains
648,000 tons of ore. This estimate does not, however, take
into account the immense quantity of copper ore which, in
all probability exist below this level.
RARE MINERALS.
About 1856 or 1857, a vein of mineral was discovered in the
Cerro de Cacheuta, containing ore which, at that time, was
considered, in this country, to be curious and rare. The
writer could not obtain samples of it, but the following ana-
lysis represents its contents.
It-
ELEMENTS
i
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
Silver
Copper
Selenium . . . .
Cobalt
Iron
21-00
1-80
30-00
0-70
2-20
20-85
12-91
22-40
1-26
3-10
9-80
1020
30-20
2-80
1-20
3-75
13-80
1-95
3-35
23-60
0-80
6
Lead
43-50
6-80
37-10
21-25
57-80
7
8
Carbonate of Lead .
Ferruginous matter .
6-50
15-20
10-90
3-50
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
247
The vein of mineral was very thin, and after it was traced to
a depth of from 30 to 40 feet, it disappeared completely and,
according to report, not a trace of it could be found in any
other place. For these reasons one of two things occurred,!, e.,
it was an isolated deposit, or a displacement by a fault exis
ted. However such a small quantity of mineral extracted only
served for experiments, public museums, and the cabinets of
the curious.
Of the various samples of copper and silver minerals ex-
tracted from the mines of this province, some were assayed
in the laboratory of the National Department of Mines and
Geology, the results obtained being exhibited in the following
table.
Copper
%
Silver
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Copper
%
Silver
%
Copper
%
i
Silver
%
3-00
0-04
10-00
0-05
12-90
1-38
10-60
0-48
10-40
1-76
12-70
1-26
9 00 6-33
10-00
0-29
6-40
2-10
10-09
0-34
13-25 2-58
6-30
5-22
13-70
1-84
10-45
0-13
13-50 1-69
14-50
0-08
10-75
1-02
14-45
4-07
10-30 0-23
30-00
0-03
5-75
0-05
12-40
1-20
25-40
0-82
3560
o-io
1670
0-21
18-20
0-74
40-10 0-09
20-10
0-07
24-30
0-45
34-10
0-02
36-40 0-01
36-40
0-02
12-13
o-io
22-80
o-io
41-20 0-02
13-14
018
14-16
0-42
34-60
0-84
37-10 0-11
10-12 ! 0-14
38-40
0-14
20-50
0-46 29-30 0-04
17-80 0-05
19-90
0-06
18-10
0-14
24-10 —
14-18
1040
—
11-40 19-10
—
12-60 1-42
13-70 0-01
16-80 1-03
10-11
0-45
9-50 0-23
PETROLEUM
In the year 1880, a company was formed in Buenos Aires
with a capital of 120.000 dollars, with the object of purchasing
248 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
perforating machinery to prove the existence of petroleum at a
place called Cacheuta, in this province.
Old fashioned French percussion machinery was employed
and consequently progress was slow and tedious.
Petroleum was found in the first well at a depth of 200 me-
tres, but not in sufficient force to reach the surface.
The second well reached a depth of 77 metres, but it does
not appear that the principal deposit of petroleum believed to
exist was reached. Consequently, a third perforation was made
to a depth of 103 metres, from which 35 barrels of oil per day
was obtained for a short period.
The company laid down aline of pipes 4 J inches in diame-
ter from the wells for a distance of 35 kilometres. Afterwards
the capital of the company was augmented to 240,000 dollars,
and the works proceeded at the mines, including the cons-
truction of an iron deposit at the termination of the line of pipes.
It does not appear that this company realised sufficient
benefit upon the capital invested in the petroleum wells.
From a report made by the chief of the Register of proper-
ties etc., of Mendoza, dated June lQth 1903, the following list
of mines represented those under exploitation.
DISTRICTS J^of
Paramillo de Uspallata 12
La Cortadera 5
Las Higueras 2
Challo "... 1
Las Cuevas 3
San Rafael 8
La Pintada. . 1
El Nevado 1
Total number of mines. . 36
These consisted of silver, copper and lignite.
CHAPTER XI
Mines and Mining in the Province of San Juan
This province is situated between those of Mendoza, San
Luis and La Rioja, and its boundary towards the west is the
eastern limits of Chile. It extends over an area of 87,345 square
leagues.
It has already been indicated in the first chapter that the
Indians and Spaniards worked the mines in this part of the
country for a considerable period, and it has been estimated
that they exploited about 40 mines of gold and silver, and that
a large quantity of gold was obtained. Many of these ancient
mines have been abandoned and nearly forgotten.
The history of these mines, from the time of the Spaniards
up to the present, exhibits that the mines have not been ex-
ploited continuously, but subject to decadence caused by
various circumstances such as, for example, inadequate capital,
bad management and, above all, undue speculation tending to
ruin legitimate mining.
In this province a great number of galena or argentiferous
lead mines exist, but since the fall in the price of silver these
have had to be abandoned and the same remark apply to the
numerous silver mines, proper, which also abound.
250 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
However, a great redeeming mining feature is that the pro-
vince is very rich in copper mines, but although the price of
copper has been very high for a considerable time, and in all
probabilities will continue, still, the copper mining industry
has not advanced with the progress of the times, arising from
the fact that little attention has been directed to this branch of
mining and, consequently, large capital sums have not been
introduced in order to create a legitimate, lasting and beneficial
copper mining industry.
In this, as in all the other mining provinces exist a large
number of veins carrying low grade copper ores, which could
be utilized to great advantage, supposing that comparatively
cheap modern systems of mechanical concentration and
chemical processes, so well known and practiced in other
countries were to be introduced and applied in this Republic.
A description of the various processes adopted for the
extraction of copper from its ores will be discussed in detail in
the Chapter which we intend to devote to metallurgy as it is
carried on in this country.
Although a large number of auriferous quartz veins exist
in this province, but few are under exploitation.
One of these existing in the district of Castano Nuevo with
great success by the French Engineer M. Sabattier, and con-
siderable benefit obtained from it.
The vein of mineral has a thickness of 80 centimetres and
the mineral is now being treated by the cyanide process.
The other quartz veins run up to one metre in thickness,
but the want of capital and application of modern systems of
extracting the gold, these mines have, also, been abandoned.
No doubt the larger lodes of lead ore could be utilized
if proper establishments were to be erected for the economic
reduction of the mineral and its conversion, into metal tubes,
etc., for use in this country as at present nearly the totality
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
251
of this metal consumed in the Republic is introduced from
foreign parts.
Various other classes of minerals which may possess com-
mercial value exist in great abundance, especially sulphur,
also, iron, asbestos, etc., but these mines have not been
exploited to any extent.
In all parts of the province building materials abound and
the large deposits of lime stone is at present exploited for its
convertion into lime.
An official communication was made to the government
of the province, indicating that the National government had
arranged to represent the natural and manufactured products
of the country at the San Louis Exhibition, and although the
writer was authorized to solicit from all the provincial govern-
ments data referring to the mines, mining and metallurgy in
each province that of San Juan, up to the present i. e., 10
April (1904) has given no information, consequently the
writer considers that it would be imprudent to enter into a
detailed description of all the concessions of mines existing
in the various districts of the province.
Sometime since, however, it contained no fewer than 105
mining districts distributed over 13 Departments, and the num-
ber of mines, of various classes, is shown in the following list.
CLASS OF MINERAL
N.° of Mines
Gold
150
Gold and silver
71
Gold, silver and copper. . . .
Copper and silver
7
26
Copper
23
Sulphur .
2
Coal
22
Roman earth ... ...
1
Alum
1
Silver ....
838
Total.
1-141
[ UNIVERSITY )
252
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The information given was obtained as stated from the
provincial records and relates to the state of mining as it
existed some years since, but for the reason previously assigned,
similar data referring to the number of mining concessions
existing at present cannot be given.
The following table represents some of the assays of mine-
ral obtained from the mines of this province.
Gold
%
Silver
%
Copper
%
Ounces of gold
per ton
0-0332
0-03
0-0560
—
—
0-3160
- —
—
0-2760
23-17
—
. —
0-4360
—
—
0-3760
—
—
—
14-00
—
—
27-27
—
—
25-90
—
2-2460
—
—
1-2380
—
—
0-5000
15-90
. —
'
3-7940
4-99
1-5000
15-90
—
04450
4-99
—
0-9320
3-20
—
0-8640
1-60
—
8-6400
—
• —
- — .
6-2160
—
—
3-2600
10-00
—
0-0200
57-27
—
0-7040
8-80
• —
0-0038
0-0180
37-367
1-35
0-0040
—
—
1-43
0-0145
0-0515
23-157
5-19
0-0053
0-0435
—
1-971
0-0460
0-3460
—
16-480
. —
0-0740
30-663
—
0-0016
0-0560
7-110
0-573
—
0-0460
30883
—
0-0070
0-0350
17-998
2-500
0-0050
0-0330
17-880
1-935
0-0036
0-0440
—
1-290
—
0-0500
16-887
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
253
It will be observed that some of these samples of mineral
show by assay such a percentage yield as would justify the
introduction of a formal exploitation of the mines.
The following table of percentages also confirms the above
remarks, and proves that the mines from which they were
obtained are sufficiently good supposing always that the
general conditions and circumstances are favourable, as also,
that an abundance of mineral can be extracted:
Copper
per cent
Silver
per cent
Gold
per cent
Copper
per cent
Silver
per cent
Gold
per cent
5-830
0*0420
00230
28-070
0-0054
0-0042
8-330
0-0050
0-0056
21-900
0-0510
0-0025
13-220
00230
0-0035
52-070
0-0140
22-800
0-0300
0-0140
10-410
0-0620
0-0067
12-290
0-0500
0-0067
16-450
0-0650
0-0082
5-110
0-0420
0-0500
5-100
0-1180
0-0045
22-910
0-1160
0-0250
16-660
0-0590
00123
5-830
0-1210
—
12-490
1-1490
0-0062
9-940
0-0720
0-0542
15-200
0-5240
0-0014
4-990
0-4450
—
30-100
0-0820
0-0025
30-890
0-0460
0-0040
17-600
0-0352
0-0054
10-426
0-1450
0-0116
18-200
00564
0-0124
CHAPTER XII
Mines and Mining in the Province of San Luis
This mining province is situated between those of San Juan
and Mendoza, Cordoba, La Rioja and the National Territory of
the Pampa Central, and extends over an area of 73,Q22 square
kilometres.
This province appears to be divided into 8 principal districts,
or Departments as they are termed, i. e., 1st. Capital; 2d., Sa-
ladillo; 3d., San Jose del Morro; 4th., Renca; 5th., San Martin
or Santa Barbara; 6th., Santa Rosa or Piedra Blanca; 7th.,
San Francisco, and the 8th., Nogoti. The Capital of the second
Department is called Saladillo, and the sub-divided depart-
ments consists of Saladillo, Rosario, Paso del Rey, Carolina,
Viraorca and Traga.
\.
The principal mountain in this province is the historical 70-
malasta, which attains in the Cerro Carolina an altitude of
2,117 metres above sea level. The Capilla and small village
situated at the foot of Tomalasta has an altitude of 720 metres
above sea level, and is situated at a distance of about 11 !/2 lea-
gues in a north western direction from the Capital of the pro-
vince, San Luis.
256 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Eastern mountain chain begins with the small Cerro,
Aguada, near to San Luis, and runs in a northern direction
for a distance of about 16 !/2 leagues to the Cerro Negro, but
inclining a little to the east. Further on the chain inclines still
more towards the east until it is lost in the mountains of the
province of Cordoba.
The rocks forming these mountain ranges consist for the
most part of gneiss, granite, porphyry, trachite and other
volcanic dykes, very much the same as those found in the
mountain districts of all the other mining provinces.
The intrusive porphrytic and trachytic rocks have penetrated
the mountain Tomalasta as a centre of action and no doubt
these volcanic intrusions have been the principal cause of the
elevation of this part of the Cerro and others.
The gold mines of the Cerro Carolina are situated on the
side of the mountains between Tomalasta and the Capilla of
the same village of the Carolina.
On one occasion the writer commissioned one of the En-
gineers of his official staff to make an inspection of the mines
of this province, and in his report he stated that the veins of
mineral in the Carolina district "consisted of crystaline schist
accompanied with mica and conglomerate, this schist being
impregnated with pyrites of iron carrying gold, the percentage
of which varied according to the natural conditions and posi-
tion of the mineral vein".
The veins run in a northern and southern direction inclining
a little towards the east; but so far it has not, however,
been determined how many veins of mineral of the class
described exist in the Carolina mountains, nevertheless, if the
copy of the map obtained of these mines is to be relied upon,
it would appear that four mineral veins have been discovered
in the adit which has been driven into the Carolina mines
and that of the Roca de la Canada — Glen-Rock. The same
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 257
plan exhibits various cross veins of the same class, and accord-
ing to the written reports of the ancient manager of these
mines, the adit, driven from the west towards the east, inter-
sected the four veins of mineral already noted, and the des-
cription given of them is as follows.
N.° 1. Vein of mineral 16 feet thick consisting of conglomera-
tes containing gold.
N.° 2. Vein of mineral 30 feet thick, consisting of slate, with
pyrites of iron containing gold.
N.° 3. Vein of mineral called Carolina, 6 feet in thickness, also
of slate and schists with pyrites of iron, containing
gold mixed with a small amount of copper, galena
and blende.
N.° 4. Vein of mineral called Blanca, consisting of conglome-
rate with pyrites of iron, galena, blende and gold.
It would appear that all these veins of mineral exist in meta-
morphic rocks, and taking into consideration the general
character of the mineral veins and surrounding rocks, the
opinion has been formed that the formation belongs to the
Silurian period; still, the characteristic fossils belonging to that
formation have not been discovered, consequently the particu-
lar age of the rocks has not been determined.
The department Engineer, previously referred to formed the
opinion that the deposits of mineral containing gold are not
true veins, the general evidence derived from the character of
the mineral leading to the conclusion that the deposits of
schist slate and conglomerate contain no body of ore, but
only impregnations of iron pyrites in lesser or greater quan-
tities containing gold.
The great eruptive force exercised in the Cerro de Carolina,
by the mountain Tomalasta, caused the elevation of the rocks,
258 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
causing much dislocation, cracks and fissures of greater or
lesser dimensions, and depth, into which mineral infiltrations
entered, filling up the fissures, becoming consolidated and
cristalized forming the deposits of mineral as they are now
found. The entire zone of these deposits has been estimated to
have a thickness of 300 metres. Without doubt, the cross veins
in the Carolina mountains are numerous and at the point of
their contact with the principal lodes the ancient workings
are greater and deeper. This proves the sagacity of the
ancient miners, whether Indians or Spaniards and that at
these crossing points the deposits of mineral were richer in
gold.
It appears that the "Carolina", and "Blanca", veins proved
more constant and yielded the best results.
The official inspection made of these mines offers evidence
that there existed a great variation, and that at one point, where
the workings were made in a north and south direction, the
mineral vein had a thickness of 1 1 metres, and consisted of
conglomerate with pyrites of iron containing a high percentage
of gold.
As already noted in Chapter I, the mine "Carolina", was
worked by the ancient miners as, also, at various periods in
modern times.
The mines of this zone were offerred to a London financial
house and, in 1883, a company was formed with a capital of
£ 50,000, which was afterwards augmented to £ 100,000, the
company being styled. "The West Argentine gold Mining
Company Limited", with offices in 35 Queen Victoria Street,
London.
As already indicated, an adit was constructed from a point
on the western side of the mountain and continued in an
eastern direction for a distance of 380 metres, which intersected
the four principal veins previously described. The vertical dis-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 259
tance gained by this adit to the ancient workings was about
50 metres and, consequently, sufficient mineral was proved to
exist to yield a supply for several years. However, the principal
workings were confined to the Carolina vein, more than to
the others which should, undoubtedly, have been thoroughly
exploited.
According to reports, formerly published, the mineral veins,
N.° 2, yielded, by assay, as much as 729 ounces of gold per
ton and, also, that assays of mineral obtained from the Caro-
lina vein yielded from 2'719 to 8*491 ounces of gold per ton,
but evidently the samples of mineral assayed with the above
yield were selected and, therefore, is no guide as to the ave-
rage percentage yield of large quantities of mineral.
A more reasonable notice is that given some time since by
one of the managers of this mine, which was to the effect that
600 tons of mineral extracted from these mines yielded at the
rate of 1*644 ounces of gold per ton. It is stated that at this
time the mines yielded 120 tons of mineral per month. The
same manager, however, stated that the yield of the whole of
the veins amounted to no more than 0'5 ounces per ton,
when the poorer minerals had been discarded the yield of
the selected parts was at the rate of 1*208 ounces of gold
per ton.
However, the various statements coming from the different
managers who conducted mining operations in these mines,
are at variance.
At the time of our official inspection, there existed at a dis-
tance of about 1000 metres from the entrance of the adit, a
small establishment for the to treatment of the ore.
The mineral was first reduced in a stamp mill and then the
gold was obtained by the ordinary method.
In the establishment indicated, only about 300 tons of mine-
ral per month could be treated so that it was of limited
extent.
260 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Mine Glen Rock
The mineral land occupied by the company of this name, is
situated to the north of the Carolina property, and appears to
be a part of this large concession made by the provincial
government, which extends over a larger area than that
provided for by the then Mining Code of the Republic or, the
Ordenanzas de Mexico.
The mineral veins in the Glen Rock property are the same
as those previously described as existing in the "Carolina"
mines. An adit has been driven in the Glen Rock, but it does
not appear that at the time of the official inspection before
referred to, that any extensive workings had been carried on
in these mining lands.
At a general meeting of this company, in London, one of the
Directors stated, according to a public report.
" We know that the section, or Glen Rock, has an extension
" of 304 yards, N.° 2, has 700 yards, our property called
" Buena Esperanza, N.° 3, is called Buena Fe and has 2QO
" yards, N.° 4, the Brillante has a length of 285 yards, and
" also others at the southern limits. Thus there is sufficient ex-
" tension of mining land for a large number of companies if
" the necessary capital could be procured to commence work-
" ing. Three companies have already made us offers to ac-
" quire this mining territory. "
There seemed to have been a question referring to
some property which appears to have been claimed by this
Company in the Cerro Valle de la Canada Honda and 7th.
Department, and then to clear up this point the report procee-
ded " Well, the Cerro Valle really was a registered compa-
" ny, and undoubtedly we had an offer to work the Canada
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 261
" Honda part of our proper reef-claim. We should have receiv-
" ed a certain number of shares: the time for this regulation
" terminates at the end of this month, afterwards we should
" receive a certain percentage in shares or in money.
" The 7th. Department was also an affair or negotiation be-
" tween ourselves and interested parties. This 7th. Department
" tis a very valuable property and at present we are working it
" Encantadora upon a small scale in order to secure the pos-
" session. Already it has been insinuated that we should have
" great pleasure to take £ 20,000 in shares in a company form-
" ed with a capital of £ 80,000, and a capital of £ 50,000 for
" working expenses. We should like very much to enter upon
" a distribution with the half paid down. "
It has been reported that what has been cited above formed
part of a speech delivered by a Mr. Hopwood, president of
this company.
It would appear that the government of this province had
granted a concession of a very large tract of mineral land,
much larger in fact than that provided by the mining laws
ruling in this Republic, and some of the shareholders of the
company felt that the company was not on safe ground; be-
cause one of the Directors stated.
" We have our concession under the authority of the pro-
" vincial government which is equal to an act of Congress of
" San Luis. The law of mines which now rules do not affect
" these concessions in the least degree.
" Our concessions date from a period anterior to that of the
" Mining Code, and I have to state that the Legislative body of
" San Luis has recognised and confirmed these concessions
" since the promulgation of the new Code of mines, and for
" these reasons we are absolutely secure. The concessions gi-
"ves us the right to acquire properties according to the code
" of mines, and no one can enter into our territory. We have
262 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
" some years to examine the properties and determine whe-
" ther we shall take them up or not. "
Whether this concession is legal or not may be determined
from the discussion which we shall advance in the chapter de-
dicated to the Mining Laws of this Republic.
The evidence presented in the above quotation is conclusive
and proves that the area of the concessions referred to was in
excess of that provided by the mining laws which ruled in the
Ordenanzas de Mexico up to the 1st. May 1887 and afterwards
by the actual Code of mines, which then commenced to take
effect. It is, therefore clear that the original company i. e.,that
of the Carolina, directed more attention to the sale of their
concession than to a formal and continuous exploitation of the
mines.
The same remarks apply to some other companies which
had operated in this district.
On the 18th. May 1894, a syndicate or company was formed
in London under the name of "Argentine Concessions Limi-
ted" to acquire through the "San Luis Mining Syndicate Limi-
ted" a lease of the properties of the "West Argentine Limited"
(now Phoenix Limited) and to take over the machinery, plant
and buildings belonging thereto with an authorised capital
of £ 30,000 in 300,000 shares of 2 shillings each. The capital
issued amounted to £ 25,000.
The works of the Carolina were taken over by and Mr. F.
Doering, the manager who commenced to extract mineral
from the Carolina veins and to mill the mineral, about it is
believed November 18Q7.
The ore was extracted from the Carolina adit upwards for a
distance of about 50 metres, when the old workings were
found. About 18 to 25 tons of ore was extracted daily and
passed through a four headed stamp mill. The produce was
calcined and then amalgamated in the usual way.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 263
One of the Engineers, Mr. J. Sheredon Russel, who had
charge of the milling, informed the writer that the best milling
produced 5 kilos of fine gold in the space of 22 days. Taking,
therefore, the produce of mineral at the maximum output per
day at 25 tons, as much as 550 tons of ore would have been
treated in the time mentioned and this would give 0*604 of an
ounce of gold per ton of crude ore.
In general the produce from the veins of mineral in the
"Carolina'" mine, is estimated to have been at the rate of one
half ounce of gold per ton.
Mr. Russel, remained at the mines a period of 1 ]/2 years
and after he left, the manager, Mr. Doering, installed a small
plant to enable him to apply the Cyanide process. He had
four 50 ton vats of the Frazer and Chalmer's type; but there
is no evidence to prove that he obtained any great success by
this mode of working. Not long afterwards, the mines were
abandoned.
The companies which have been identified with that of the
"Carolina", and the mines claimed by it, have such a confu-
sed history that it is difficult to disentangle, and to give a de-
tailed account of their proceedings; but, according to published
notices, there have been several reconstructions down to 1899.
It would appear that the whole of the mining properties of the
"West Argentine Gold Company's, Limited", had been leased
to the "Argentine Concessions Limited". The original company
is entitled to one tenth part of the annual profits obtained by
the "Argentine Concessions, Limited", after deducting a sum
sufficient to pay 5 °/0 on the paid up capital of the Concession
company. A final call of six pence per share was due on the
30th November 1898, and it appears that 42,850 shares were
forfeited.
The first accounts were made up to the 30th June 1898,
and submitted in August. There were calls in arrear to the
264 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
amount of £ 4.657. Debtors owed £ 914, and Creditors £ 6,647
The debit balance in London and expenditure accounts
amounted to £ 3,695. Cash in hand £ 775. A receiver was
appointed in February 1903.
According to these statements, derived from public noti-
ces, it would appear that this company's affairs may be ex-
pected to be in, or approximating liquidation, at that date.
It is believed that the mines and concessions of mineral
land made to the old Carolina Company, have not been con-
served according to the provisions of the present Code of
Mines.
Gold Washings in the Canada Honda.
This mineral district is situated at a distance of about 20
leagues from the town of San Luis, and at some 2 leagues
from the "Carolina'". It occupies a nearly level camp between
the mountains, bearing in the general direction of north and
south. It has been calculated to extend for a distance of 1700
metres in length, and 170 metres in width.
The rocks which form the base of the "Canada Honda"
consist of granite, gneiss, mica schist, etc., etc., exactly of the
same nature as those of the surrounding mountains. The au-
riferous deposits of sand vary in thickness, but the average
depth from the surface may be taken to be from 15 to 25 feet.
The auriferous deposits themselves consist of a variety of
beds of different thickness formed principally of sand and clay
mixed with other debris, all of which have been denuded
and carried from high levels and deposited in the form des-
cribed. Many persons have worked for gold in different parts
of this district, at intervals for a long period of time. It has
been reported by those who have worked in this locaiity that
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 265
the principal auriferous deposit is confined to a comparatively
narrow zone for the entire length of the Canada Honda; but
the exact width of the zone referred to has not yet been sa-
tisfactorily determined.
It has been estimated that the average produce did not ex-
ceed from 0'5 to 0'70 of an ounce of gold per ton; but it is
natural to suppose that some parts of the auriferous deposit
would yield more.
At a former period, the works are said to have yielded 1-600
ounces of gold at a cost of extraction of £ 1 7s Od per ounce;
and it has also been calculated that more than 300,000 tons
of auriferous sand could be treated, which would yield 30,000
ounces of gold. That would be a greater yield per ton than
formerly estimated.
The great drawback in the Canada Honda, is the compara-
tive small quantity of water available for mining operations.
If therefore, at any future period it is proposed to carry on mi-
ning operations in this locality on a large scale, it would be
necessary to build dykes where the water could be collected
and used in dry seasons.
The most formal attempt to exploit the auriferous deposits
of Canada Honda and others in more modern times was that
initiated by a London Company, under the management of
the late Mr. Randolf Mellor, who expended about f 15,000
without obtaining adequate results. The Company seems to
have abandoned mining in this region, although Mr. Mellor must
have believed in the productive qualities of the auriferous de-
posits, for, we find that he obtained the original concessions
in his own name and carried on mining for a considerable
time. Finally he sold his rights to another party with whom his
son was afterwards identified.
What progress or benefit this new company obtained is
unknown, but ultimately it abandoned the undertaking.
266 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The writer has dwelt upon the question of these auriferous
deposits at considerable length, for the express object of in-
forming others of the conditions of the case, as also to exhi-
bit to them the necessity of caution before entering upon such
a mining scheme.
However, he is far from condemning these auriferous de-
posits, for it is quite possible that there exists richer ones
quite overlooked.
The Gold Placers of the Rio de la Carpa
The auriferous deposits forming this mining camp run
parallel with and at a distance of about a league in an eastern
direction from the Canada Honda.
Some workings have been carried on in this small field,
and it is reported that on one occasion a few miners extracted
gold to the value of 1000 paper dollars per month, but, in
modern times, it would appear that the produce was much
less.
The auriferous sand, or debris, is of the same character as
that of the Canada Honda, with the exception that the roun-
ded stones carried down from higher levels and deposited are
less abundant. The water in this district is also scarce.
It has been estimated that the yield of gold in this district is
not less than that of the Canada Honda, but mining has been
carried on by poor miners employing only ordinary methods
for the extraction of the gold, consequently, their operations
have been limited to a small scale and, as far as possible, in
a clandestine manner for the reason that the miners are under
the impression that the West Argentine Gold Mining Company,
pretend to claim this district as being included in the large
concession of mineral land granted by the San Luis govern-
ment, previously referred.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 267
Under such conditions, therefore, it is not surprising that
no other company has ventured to exploit this auriferous camp
or determine its productive capabilities and commercial value.
No doubt such a real, or pretended claim, is exceedingly in-
jurious to the general mining interests of the province in
question.
The provincial government would do well to clear up this
question, so that when the public directed its attention to the
exploitation of this zone, it would not be molested by those
who do not possess mining rights according to the code of
mines.
The Gold Washings of Cerritos Biancos
This locality is situated at a distance of about two leagues
to the north east of the "Carolina", and to the north of the
"Canada Honda", and in it there still exist evidence of ancient
washings.
The altitude of this district is about 1,660 metres above sea
level, and the gold deposits appear to extend to a distance of
two kilometres. A large number of ancient pits and excavations
exist, but it is uncertain who the miners were that made
them.
The mining operations were confined to a bed of auriferous
sand below the vegetable soil, and one of the former gover-
nors of this province reported that, on one occasion, as many
as 2000 miners were occupied in washing for gold in this
region and that, ultimately, due to the scarcely of water, it was
customary to transport the auriferous sand to the nearest
stream of water, where the gold was extracted. In some cases,
however, the miners waited for the rainy season before com-
mencing operations.
268 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
For some reason or another, such workings as those des-
cribed ceased and the pits filled with debris. The report of the
governor, previously referred to, affords no information as to
the precise time when the 2000 miners were employed in
mining in this district, nor the amount of gold extracted, con-
sequently, we are unable to form any opinion as to the value
of the auriferous deposits in the region referred to. It is
possible, that its apparent small extension would not induce
any formal company to enter upon mining operation there.
All the streams of water which are found within 25 square
leagues, and which rise in the surrounding localities of "Caro-
lina", "Rio de la Carpa", Canada Honda", etc., contain
auriferous sands in various places.
From all that has been advanced in this chapter, it is evi-
dent that gold in lesser or greater quantities exist over a large
extension of land, but it is doubtful whether the conditions
under which such deposits are found, and the circumstances
and difficulties surrounding the question, would induce any
formal and continuous exploitation.
It is a well known fact that after the season of heavy rains,
the miners leave the Canada Honda, Rincon del Cerro and
other places to search for gold, and always with more or less
success. This plan is, also, followed in all parts of the Repu-
blic where gold exists.
The mine "Viraorca". This mine is situated in the lower
part or eastern declivity of the mountains of this province,
and it has an elevation of about 100 metres obove the gene-
ral level of the camp.
The formation of the mountain, in which this mine exists,
consists of tnetamorphic rocks, and the vein of mineral in the
mine is enclosed between walls of gneiss, and it is possible
to distinguish the different decomposed rocks here and there,
and their transformations, in a very satisfactory manner.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
269
The vein of mineral runs in a northern and southern direc-
tion, inclining towards the east at an angle of 12 degrees,
with a thickness of about 55 centimetres.
Various excavations have been made upon the vein, which
was found to contain a large amount of oxide of iron, carbo-
nate of copper, and sulphides of copper with quartz and
dottings of native copper.
The workings in this vein extended to a depth of 35 metres
which is now full of water.
We have already given an account of the exploits of Mr. Li-
vingston, and his mining and smelting operations, in Chap-
ter II.
The general opinion is that this is a very important mine.
The Fifth Department
It would appear, that, a great deal of the so called exploring
has been done, but it does not seem that many important dis-
coveries have been made.
The mine "Angelita". Practical miners inform us that this
mine was first discovered and exploited by the previously
mentioned Mr. Livingston, who appears to have continued
mining in it from 1869 to 1876.
The mineral vein consisted of pyrites of copper and iron,
containing gold and silver, and the produce was transported
to a small establishment of fundition which consisted of a
reberbatory furnace. The mineral was comparatively poor, i. e.,
4 °/0 of copper, with 8 ounces of silver, and a little gold per
ton.
The water which entered the mine was extracted by pumps
moved by horses, but these appliances were not sufficient
to keep the mine dry.
270 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
It was situated to the south east of the Village of San Mar-
tin, and the mine seems to have been completely abandoned
in modern times. Its altitude is about 1,100 metres above sea
level.
The vein is enclosed by walls of granite, and has a direc-
tion of about north 40° east, and may be traced upon the
surface for a distance of 600 metres, at the termination of
which it is lost, but comes to the surface again at a place
called Moromas, where other excavations have been made
upon it, but here it has thinned out to 0'30 centimetres.
Mine San Francisco
Near to a small village of the same name, copper mines
exist which have been worked to a considerable extent in
ancient times: some say by the Jesuits, and others by Chilian
miners, many years since.
The mines are situated at a distance of some 33 leagues
from the town of San Luis, 20 leagues of which can be tra-
versed by mules, or to the village of San Francisco, and from
this place to the mines the distance is about 2 l/2 leagues.
Recently, these mines have attracted some attention, and a
native capitalist consulted with the writer, in reference to the
propriety of commencing the reopening and exploitation of
them.
It was reported that at the surface, the vein of copper ore
had a thickness of 25 centimetres, yielding 59*80 % of copper,
continuing in this condition to a depth of 15 metres; but at 27
metres in depth the vein had divided into a serie of small
threads of the same quality as it had near to the surface. The
deepest point reached by the ancient miners was 50 metres,
and, at this point, the copper lode was 2 ]/4 metres thick, but
much poorer in quality.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
271
A sample of 18 tons of ore was recently extracted, and yiel-
ded 17 % of copper and 17 grains of gold per ton. A second
sample of 12 tons, yielded 26'50 °/0 of copper, and 30 grains of
gold per ton.
Another sample of 8 tons, of poorer qaality of ore yielded
17 % of copper and 40 grains of gold per ton.
This ore realised in the market from 113*15 to 1QO paper
dollars per ton.
Various other copper veins at the surface yielded as
follows:
Copper
%
4-40
6-80
3-60
4-00
Gold
%
0-00050
0-00030
0-00180
0-00080
A general analysis of this mineral has been given as follows:
Copper 16'700°/o
Iron 4-210 "
Gold 0-006 "
Sulphur 9-094 "
Gangue 70-000 "
100-000 "
The gold is at the rate of 2'15 ounces per ton. Other sam-
ples of mineral, extracted from this mine, assayed at the rate of
29-06 °/0 of copper without gold or silver, the gangue hav-
ing descended to 61 '72 %.
It was estimated that the profit would amount to 149,386 pa-
per dollars per ton.
All the appearance are good, but there was no guarantee as
to the quantity of copper ore which could be extracted from
the mine.
272 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The workings placed upon the copper lode consisted of
three pits, one of 60 metres in depth, a second of 25 metres, for
ventilation, and a third of 12 metres with galleries which com-
municated with the pit at 68 metres.
It cannot be expected that a practical and experienced miner
like Mr. Livingstone was, would have expended his capital in
making excavations to such an extent if the thickness of the
copper lode was not more than 30 centimetres.
It is, therefore, reasonable to infer that it was a great deal
thicker, besides, we have it stated, that the mineral extracted
was rich and found in masses. As previously indicated, these
mines were abandoned for the want of adequate funds.
The mine "Esperanza" . This mine is situated at a distance of
about 6 leagues eastward from the village of San Martin, and
was discovered by Vicente Gonzalez, who worked it to a li-
mited extent in the year 1881. The vein runs in a northeast
and southwest direction, and at the surface it had a thickness
of 1*50 metres with variations, in the depth. It consists of car-
bonates and pyrites of copper, with oxide of iron in great
abundance.
This mine was soon abandoned, and the mineral extracted
remaining at the surface where it was first deposited.
At a distance of about 200 metres another excavation was
made upon the same vein of mineral, and it was found to con-
tain auriferous decomposed ferruginous quartz.
The locality of this mine is situated at an altitude of about
1000 metres above sea level. It would appear, that no low
level could be found from which to drive an adit to drain the
water from the mine.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
273
OF
ER
OF
The District of "Mina Fortuna" or Santa Barbara
The opinion of the Engineer, sent by the writer to examine
the mines in this province, is that the mines known under the
name in the above heading, merit great attention.
The mine "Fortuna", is situated to the northeast of the sierras
of San Luis, parting from the Rincon del Carmen, at an eleva-
tion of about 40 metres above the surrounding camp, and at
an altitude of about 1000 metres above sea level. The mineral
vein has a thickness of 0'60 centimetres, and runs in an eastern
and western direction inclining about 15 degrees towards the
south. The walls of the vein consist of granite and gneiss, very
hard and compact.
The contents of the vein consist of galena with fine crystals,
a rare occurrence in this country, also of copper pyrites, car-
bonate of lead and quartz.
This mine was worked at the surface, in remote times, pro-
bably for the silver contained in the galena.
From 1870 to 1881, workings were carried on in this mine,
but only at short intervals of time.
During the latter year named, a Buenos Aires company ob-
tained from the government of the province of San Luis the
exclusive priviledge to exploit the mines, etc., in all the exten-
sion of the mineral land included in the 5th Department.
This company commenced exploiting some galena mines,
reducing the mineral in a reverbatory furnace. Three pits of
22, 43 and 74 metres respectively, were sunk upon the vein of
mineral in the "Fortuna" mine. It appears that about 200 tons
of mineral were extracted and reduced in the same reverbatory
furnace at a place called Talita, situated at a distance of
about 7 leagues fron the mine.
274 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Some few years afterwards, workings were again placed in
this mine, and a small amount of mineral extracted, but mining
operations in it appear to have ceased soon afterwards.
The mine "Santo Domingo". This mine is situated at the
eastern limits of the "Fortuna", and has been located upon the
same vein of mineral. A company of poor miners commenced
to work this mine in 1882 with a capital of 1000 dollars, but
mining operations soon ceased.
The vein of mineral consisted of galena, carbonate of lead,
pyrites, and peroxide of iron, the yield being at the rate of
40 % lead, and 100 ounces of silver per ton. After extracting
about 15 tons of mineral, it was found that the vein was too
thin to yield a profit at that level or zone, and was, conse-
quently, abandoned.
The mine "Tricolor", is situated on the estate of D. Fran-
cisco Pereira, at a distance of about 2 leagues in a western
direction from the mine "Fortuna", and in it two thin veins of
mineral occur, consisting principally of carbonate of lead,
peroxide of iron, and auriferous quartz.
A large number of other mines of a similar class exist in
this district, among which may be mentioned those called,
"Piedras Bayos", "Huerta", "Sala", "Alsa", "Encantadora",
"Descubridora" and others.
MANGANESE DEPOSITS
A deposit of this mineral exists at a place called Piedra Pa-
rada Grande, not far from the mine "Descubridora", pre-
viously mentioned. The mineral has been denominated by
some persons as a proto-peroxide of manganese, and yields a
high percentage of metal. On one occasion the mine was
worked upon a small scale for a company from Buenos
Aires, and about 100 tons of mineral extracted.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
275
The deposit appears to be limited to an area of about 30
square metres, surrounded by gneissic rocks. At the surface,
the mineral was mixed with quartz and other elements.
Several persons have attempted to work this mine on
various occasions, but soon found it convenient to abandon
the enterprise.
Other deposits of manganese have been reported as existing
in the same locality, but there is no information to hand referr-
ing to their productive capacity.
The galenas, obtained from this province, have frequently
been assayed, and the silver determined to be at the rate of
O'l °/0, 0'14 %, 0-22 %, 0-30 °/0 and 0'6Q %, with variations.
Some of the determinations were as low as 0'04 % and 0.08 °/0
of silver.
The following analysis may be taken to represent the type
of iron ore found in this province.
Peroxide of iron 23'41 %
Protoxide 64'20 "
Manganese 0*80 "
Magnesia 2'35
Titanic acid 3*64 "
Silica 4-20 "
Alumina . 1-40 "
100-00%
The elements, forming this analysis, prove that the iron is of
excellent quality, and, if it could be found in large quantities,
with all the surrounding circumstances favourable, with suffi-
cient combustibles and cheap and rapid transport, an esta-
blishment of fundition could be installed, and a handsome
profit obtained.
Doctor J. J. J. Kyle, the gentleman previously referred to,
was good enough to furnish the following analysis of a typical
sample of the manganese ores of this province.
276 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Sesquioxide of manganese. . . 50'50 %
Dioxide of . . 27'79 "
Magnetic oxide of iron . . . 7'4Q "
Alumine 2'00 "
Lime I'OO "
Magnesia 0'52 "
Silica 8-00 "
Water . 2'70 "
100-00%
The Doctor stated that this would give 55'59 °/0 of black
oxide of manganese.
MARBLE QUARRIES
The marble deposits are situated in a small table land which
is a prolongation of the sides of the Cerro Rosario, in the De-
partment of Pringles, and at a short distance from the cart
road passing through the mineral district of the Carolina. The
beds of marble exist upon the Estate called El Pantano,
property of Don Ines Lopez.
The marble beds are almost horizontal at the surface, with a
few inches of soil covering them, consequently, there is no
difficulty in opening quarries for the extraction of slabs of
marble of any desired dimension.
Up to a recent date, three thick beds of marble had been
discovered in one of the quarries, and they extend over a lar-
ge area, the extension of which, however, has not been deter-
mined.
The marble has attracted great attention in Buenos Aires,
resulting in the formation of a small company for its exploita-
tion.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
277
At the time of the official inspection, the Engineer reported
that a large number of blocks of marble, of different sizes, had
been extracted and deposited at the mine, amounting to 1000
tons. At this time the quarries were managed by inexperienced
persons who employed powder to dislocate the marble slabs
resulting in an enormous waste.
The marble has a pale green base, with veins running
through it in various directions of a red, brown and yellowish
colour, varying in shade, giving to it a beautiful appearance.
The marble is clear and semi transparent, takes a beautiful po-
lish, and has been very favourably received in Europe for the
manufacture of all kinds of ornamental works and articles, and
is said to be in much request.
Samples of this onyx-marble will be exhibited at the San
Louis exhibition.
Another deposit exists upon the property of Senor Alvarez,
situated at a distance of about 1 !/2 miles in an eastern direc-
tion, but, for some reason or another, the marble has been
considered, by some persons, to be inferior to that previously
described; but the writer is of an opinion that this supposed
difference has to be proved in a more practical manner than
that of mere assertion. Possibly, the fear of competition has
something to do with the appreciations indicated.
Various other valuable minerals exist in this province, such
as Wolfram, Mica, etc.
CHAPTER XIII
Mines and Mining in the Province of Cordoba
This province is bounded to the west and north west by the
provinces of San Luis, La Rioja, and Catamarcajto the north
by that of Santiago del Estero, and to the east, south east and
south, by the provinces of Santa Fe, Buenos Aires and part of
the Pampa Central.
It has a very irregular form, is a central province, and extends
over an area of 161,036 square kilometres, the favourable si-
tuation of which, conduces to an extraordinary healthy and
temperate climate.
The mountain chains existing in this province are compara-
tively low, and ramified to a large extent, consequently, the to-
pographical features are varied.
The valleys are fertile, well watered and wooded, and in the
various districts, some of the most beautiful, deversified, and
picturesque scienery may be found, for which reason it is the
favourite summer resort for tourists, men of science and letters,
and others requiring rest, peace, and the invigorating effects of
a clear atmosphere, with a good and temperate climate, in fact,
in this province the painter has ample scope for the employ-
280 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
ment of his brush, the poet for a time of quiet recreation, ex-
pansion of his inventive genius mystic and divine lore; the
mineralogist in his researches for curiosities, whilst the geolo-
gist may revel in his endeavour to unravel the mysteries, age
and structure of the rocky formation, and the financier and en-
gineer, can enjoy excursions to the various mineral deposits
which nature has distributed with a lavish hand throughout the
neighbouring districts. The tourist and habitual visitors have
the opportunity of every kind of diversion without irksome
restrictions.
It is the nearest mining province to the capital of the Repu-
blic i. e., Buenos Aires, and to the port of Rosario, and for the-
se reasons ought to receive more attention from those who are
searching for mines with a bona-fide intention of introducing
capital for the exploitation of the mineral resources of the
country.
The city of Cordoba, is noted for its seat of learning, its
high class Divinity school and National Observatory of
Astronomy; the central and authorized guardian of the first
time meidian of the Republic, to which all the others are
referred.
The height of the city above sea level has been variously
estimated; but it may be taken to be 385 metres.
The distance, in a straight line and in a westerly direc-
tion from the city of Cordoba, to the nearest mountains may
be estimated at about 5 leagues.
This first chain of mountains generally run in a northern
and southern directions, with ramifications. The whole mount-
ain systems of this province cover a considerable area.
In the first chapter of this work, it has been stated that min-
ing was carried on, at intervals, over a period of many years,
and that the same obstacles had occurred here as in other
parts of the Republic i. e., the want of adequate capital for a
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
281
permanent development of the mining resources. However,
these observations must be taken in a general sense, and do
not include exceptional cases. Experience teaches, that in
all mining districts, rich and poor mines are to be found,
and, consequently, as in former times, if these are selected in
an indiscriminate manner, without proper knowledge of what
is good and what is bad, the result, in all probability, would be
failure. It is, therefore, a misfortune when inexperienced per-
sons propose the formation of a company for the exploitation
of mines which did not possess the necessary conditions to
yield a profit upon the capital invested in them. Unfortunately,
this province has suffered to an enormous extent from such
mining adventurers, but we think that in the future more cau-
tion will be excercised in order to prevent other failures.
Failures due to bad management and poor selected mines,
have a prejudicial effect upon the minds of others, and is a
great detriment to mining progress; but, when good mines
present themselves in the same district where others have fai-
led, and after scientific and practical invistigations are found to
possess commercial value, an adequate amount of capital
should be invested in them.
The bad speculations which have occurred in this province
is, by no means, a reason why, in the future, many mines
may not be discovered capable of yielding adequate benefit.
The prosperity of this province in all other branches of in-
dustry and agriculture, together with the facility offerred by the
systems of railway transport to the nearest ports, are advanta-
ges of great value in assisting the development of the mining
industry in this fertile province.
Many veins of galena exist in the districts of this province,
and from published data representing the yield of metal ob-
tained from minerals extracted from the galena mines in the
following countries, we may make a sufficiently fair compari-
282
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
son of the productive capacity of the galena mines of the pro-
vince of Cordoba.
France . . . .
48-1888
Germany . . .
Belgium ....
Switzerland . . .
49-7888
59-4000
13-6100
Italy
Sardinia ....
5-6240
10-6560
Spain
Average product.
59-4000
33'9533
Ounces of silver
per ton.
It has been calculated that the veins of galena existing in
the mining districts of this province, would yield an average
of 104 ounces of silver per ton, which, if verified upon a large
and continuos exploitation, would produce 44'60 ounces
of silver in excess of the largest yield in Europe i. e., of Spain.
The writer has no reason to doubt the estimate which has
been presented for his consideration, and noted above, but as
the question is of great importance to the public, the province,
and Republic at large, he has been induced to give the follo-
wing table which represents analysis made in the Laboratory
of the National Department of Mines and Geology of samples
of galena obtained from the mines of Cordoba.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
283
Per cent
of silver
Ounces of silver
per
English ton
Per cent of
Lead
0-81
290-30
71-30
051
182-78
42-50
0-48
172-03
61 00
0-59
211-46
45-00
0-73
261-63
54-50
0-63
22679
48-50
0-27
96-77
10-50
043
154-11
44-00
0-20
71-68
36-24
0-25
89-60
75-90
0-44
457-96
71-00
0-29
10394
64-00
0-48
17203
51-00
0-61
218-62
6550
0-21
75-26
12-88
Total . .
6-93
2484-96
753-82
Average .
0-46
165-66
50-25
This table demonstrates in a clear manner that the produce
of silver per ton of crude mineral, is in excess of that previously
given. The samples were submitted by some of the miners who
have worked the galena veins in this province. However, sam-
ples entering a laboratory, situated at a long distance from the
mines, cannot have much bulk, besides such may not repre-
sent the general output of a mine.
However, sufficient has been said to prove that the galena
mines are worthy of considerations.
The favourable results which in some cases have been
already obtained, with small capitals and inadequate means,
are sufficient to demonstrate what may be done in the future
supposing the mines were exploited in a proper manner and
upon a large scale, in conjunction with modern establishments
of reduction for the different classes of minerals of this pro-
vince.
The elements contained in the following table, were deter-
284
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
mined by Doctor J. J. J. Kyle, and the samples of mineral were
obtained from the mines indicated below.
Name of Mine
Number of
ounces of silver
per ton
Percentage of
Lead
Nino Dios
306-00
71-30
Jose Maria
144-90
42'50
San Antonio
179-40
45-00
Vein Jeronimo
Vein new government . .
San Agustin
Eufemia
170-00
170-00
174-00
113*00
54-00
51-00
34-32
71-00
Vibora
132-80
Overo Muerto
Dos Amigos
San Miguel
104-40
174-00
165-00
68-00
Mercedes
93-00
Mina Nueva
14400
The determinations in the above table confirm those pre-
viously given.
A large number of veins, consisting of argentiferous lead,
exist in various parts of Guaco and Argentina, but a greater
number of mines have been conceeded in the former district
than in the latter although of equal importance; but, in both
localities, many of the galena mines have not been proved In
no case have any of these mines been worked to a greater
depth than from 40 to 50 metres.
In certain localities, the galena .is mixed with blende and
antimony, as was the case with the ores extracted from the
well known mines "Rara Fortuna", "Buena Fortuna",
"Garibaldi", and "Santiago", which mines yielded silver as
high as 251 ounces per ton.
Mines, such as "Bella Americana" '"Mogote Blanco", "San
Pedro", and others, had a variable yield up to 250 ounces
of silver per ton.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 285
The general yield from some of the mines in the district of
Guaco, was at the rate of 107'52 ounces per ton, and the
poorest ore yielded at the rate of 53*76 ounces per ton. Mineral
has been extracted from some of the argentiferous lead mines
yielded from. 8 °/0 to 10 °/0 of silver.
The mines "Buena Ventura", "San Jorge", "Tronco Ne-
gro", "Bellena" and "San Miguel", are a few among many
others which have yielded mineral assaying as high as I'O °/0 of
silver.
It has been reported by competent persons, that the mines
indicated are capable of yielding an abundance of mineral,
and that they were abandoned on account of the large quan-
tity of water entering into them, and for the want of proper
means of extracting it.
The best known mine in the district of Guaco, is the "Asun-
cion", which has been worked to a depth of 80 metres. The
mineral vein in this mine runs in a southeastern direction and
varies in thickness from 12 to 18 inches.
The mineral vein in this mine was found to increase in
thickness with the depth.
At one time, as many as 80 men were employed in the
mine.
The galena mining district of Argentina, is situated at a
distance of about 16 \ leagues from that of Guaco, and extends
over a considerable area, ending in Ojo de Agua, Roca and
Guasampa.
The mines of this district contain more silver and less lead
than those in the Guaco district, which constitutes a favourable
condition, besides the mineral is very abundant.
One of the best known mines is that called "25 de Mayo",
which contains various galena veins running in a north easterly
direction. The experimental works carried on in it did not
exceed 10 metres in depth, and the mineral extracted was
286 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
ferruginous, assaying 0'50 %> or at tne rate of 179 ounces of
silver per ton.
However, sometimes the yield assayed as high as I'O % to
2 °/0 of silver, or from 358 to 716 ounces per ton.
The mine "Santa Cruz", also produced mineral assaying
from 0-40 % to 3'50 %, or from 143'36 to 1254'4 ounces of
silver per ton; but this was limited to a small quantity of ore
extracted.
There are various other mines in this district, but for the
want of a formal exploitation, there is no date to hand by
which their value could be determined.
There exist a large number of mines in the mineral district
of "Cruz del Eje", ^ne of which is called "Nino Dios",
situated in the Cerro de La Trtlla, at about 20 or 30 leagues,
more or less, from the city of Cordoba.
One of the principal veins of galena in this mine runs
in an easterly and westerley direction, and averages 22 inches
in thickness. It consists of carbonate of lead, mixed with sul-
phide of lead and silver. Near to the surface, the vein contained
blende and quartz, but, in the depth, these elements diminished,
and the vein augmented in thickness, as, also, in richness.
The workings in this mine were carried to a depth of about
45 metres, but the entrance of water prevented further
progress.
Afterwards an adit, 292 metres in length, was driven into the
mine in order to intersect the vein of mineral and drain off the
water.
It appears that several veins were discovered in this mine,
the general thickness of each being 24 inches. Assays of the
mineral extracted from this mine have been given in the
preceding table. However, afterwards, when the workings
attained greater depth, the mineral yielded as high as 8'43 °/0,
or at the rate of 3,021 '3 ounces of silver per ton. It is reported
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
287
that the mineral in the mine is abundant, and, on one occasion
118 tons extracted from it yielded 157*6 ounces of silver per
ton, showing that the yield is variable. The last cited yield
would appear, however, to be an average produce.
The galena mineral extracted from the celebrated mine
"Rara Fortune?' ', has yielded mineral which, by assay, gave
25Q ounces of silver per ton, and 54*5 °/0 of lead.
Mineral extracted from the mine "San Miguel" yielded 165
of silver, as exhibited in the preceding table, but some of the
mineral extracted ran as high as 20 % of silver; but the quan-
tity of mineral of this grade was limited.
Various other galena mines exist in the mountains near to
the small villages of San Marcos, San Carlos, Calamuchita
and others, but these mines have not been proved to the same
extent as the ones described.
In fact, the various mining districts of this province contain
many galena veins which might be exploited to advantage,
and one is led to conclude that at no very distant period, the
development of this industry will be undertaken upon a large
scale.
The various assays which we have presented, is a proof
that the galena veins are sufficiently rich to warrant the neces-
sary expenditure of capital for their exploitation, but any such
scheme must, however, include one or more establishments
of fundition for the ob ect of reducing the ores. It would,
also be necessary to introduce modern processes in mining
and smelting, as, also, an adequate and economic administra-
tion.
288 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Copper Mining District of Calamuchita
This mining district is situated at a distance of about 16 lea-
gues to the southwest of the city of Cordoba, and in it various
copper mines exist, some of which were exploited many years
since. The remains of an establishment of fundition still re-
main, which formerly belonged to Mr. Samuel Lafone, and
abandoned as far back as 1859.
The copper mines which Mr. Lafone worked, were closed
on account of some conflict which ended in a law suit, refer-
ring to disputed right of possession of the mines in question.
One of these mines was known by the name of El Tto, and
was worked to a depth of 41 metres, at which point the lode
had a thickness of 1*33 metres; but at the surface its thickness
was no more than 91 centimetres.
The mineral extracted consisted of sulphide of copper mi-
xed with ferruginous matter; but as is usually the case, at the
surface and to some depth, the vein of mineral consisted of
carbonate and silicate of copper; but a change took place at
12-80 metres in depth, introducing sulphides.
A parcel of mineral of 80 tons, extracted from this mine,
yielded at the rate of 15 °/0 of copper.
Two principal veins exist in the mine i. e., Urquiza and St.
John, with a distance of 17 metres between them. There are,
also, two cross lodes in this mine, one of which is rich in sil-
ver. The one which was proved to the greatest depth, yielded
at the rate of from 15 to 18 % of copper.
Further towards the east, exists three other copper lodes
running parallel to those already described in El Tto, and to
the south of the lode St. Juan, were discovered, from which
copper ore of a high percentage was extracted.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 289
The vein Urquiza was exploited to a depth of 60 metres,
and yielded black oxide of copper.
At a short distance from the mine "El 770", is the mine "70-
cura", which has been worked also to a depth of 60 metres,
but it has long since been filled with water. The vein in this
mine, also yielded black oxide of copper.
According to report, at a distance of about 4 leagues to the
north of the mine "Tacura", is located the mine "Tauro", the
vein of mineral in which has a thickness of 33 inches, upon
which workings were made to a depth of 46 metres; but, the
quantity of water which infiltered at this depth, prevented
further workings. The copper ore extracted, gave a higher
percentage than that in the mine "El 770".
In the adjoining district, or at a distance of about a league
from the mine "Tauro", many lodes have been discovered,
containing copper, some of which have been considered of
great importance. The mineral in these lodes consists of car-
bonates, oxides and silicate of copper.
At a distance of about 18 leagues to the west of ihzPotrero
de Garay, exists the mine "Mercedes", and in this locality
many lodes containing copper have been discovered. The mi-
neral is of the same class as that of the £7 Tio.
Other mines of the same class are called "Veto. Virgen" ,
"San Antonio", "Machito", etc.
In the low mountains; close to this locality, exist a large num-
ber of veins of mineral crossing one another in various direc-
tions, all of which present conditions suitable for a good
exploitation. However, no sufficient data is to hand by which
the commercial value of these lodes may be determined.
Doctor J. J. J. Kyle, visited some mines of copper, situated
at some leagues distant, to the south, of the mine "El 770", in
the mountain called Colorado, and there a galena vein was
discovered, 33 inches in thickness. The vein contained galena
290
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
mixed with carbonates and silicate of copper, in a base of
quartz, which contained gold and silver. No works had been
made upon this vein, but the Doctor obtained samples from it
which gave the folloving results:
NUMBER OF SAMPLES
Percentage
of copper
Ounces of
silver per ton
Ounces of
gold per ton
Percentage
of lead
1
15-66
64-0
0'80
2
44*18
156-0
3
3-20
22-5
0-90
4
22-56
22-6
0-77
5
7-46
34*6
0-49
58-70
Average. . .
18-61
59-94
0-74
This shows exceedingly well, and if 3 l/2 tons of crude ore
were treated and reduced to regulus, it would produce 65'1 3 °/0
of copper, 209'70 ounces of silver and 2'59 ounces of gold,
per ton. If, therefore, the vein would yield an abundance of
mineral of this same class, it would form a basis of an excellent
negotiation.
We intend to explain the system followed in this country
for the reduction of ores, when treating upon metallurgy in a
chapter which will be devoted to that important industry, and
to show the amount of copper which should be contained in
regulus so as to suit the requirements of the market.
No doubt that if proper explorations were to be made in the
mountains where this mineral occurs, other veins, equally, or
probably richer in copper, silver and gold, would a disco-
vered.
It is known that close to the mine, — minerals from which the
assays in the last preceeding table refer — various other lodes
exist which are vsible at the surface, and may be traced for
some distance, and these contain mineral similar in quality to
that last described.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 291
At the surface, these veins present carbonates and oxides of
copper, mixed in a base of quartz.
Various samples have been obtained from a mine called
"Avellaneda", which yielded from 24 to 42'50 % of copper,
with a small quantity of silver and traces of gold.
Doctor Kyle stated, that when he visited the district of Cala-
muchita, he saw various other mineral veins identical in cha-
racter to the last preceding one which he described and a sam-
ple of 130 Ibs. in weight obtained gave 46'6 °/0 of copper,
about 13 ounces of silver and 0*44 of an ounce of gold per
ton. It would appear that this mineral was found somewhere
in the neighbourhood of Rio Cuarto, and at a short distance
from the railway. Doctor Kyle added that these circumstances
present the advantages of being able to transport the mineral
from the district he examined to the lower levels at a small
cost and that the outcroppings of the mineral veins may be
seen over a great extension, and lastly, that the veins in ques-
tion are of great thickness, with a high percentage of copper,
carrying gold and silver.
The largest sample of mineral obtained from this district,
and assayed by Doctor Kyle, yielded at the rate of 13'4 ounces
of silver and 2-67 ounces of gold per English ton.
Gold Mining District of San Ignacio
The ancient mines in this district are situated in the valley
of Punilla, at a distance of about 12 leagues in a north-west-
ern direction from the city of Cordoba.
Various old workings exist in the mines, which, according
to the best evidence were made by the Jesuits.
The auriferous veins run in the direction of north 40° east,
and incline at a high angle, almost perpendicular.
The thickest of these veins varies from 60 centimetres to 3
292 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
metres, and the thinest had a width of 20 centimetres but was
exceedingly rich in gold.
This thin vein of auriferous mineral is said to have disap-
peared at a distance of 250 metres upon the strike of the vein,
but the late Mr. J. D. Loynachan, a practical American miner,
examined these mines and presented to the writer a collection
of rich auriferous ferruginous quartz samples, which he obtain-
ed from the mines.in question. He reported that the old workings
were in such a ruined condition that it was impossible to en-
ter for any considerable distance, although the workings could
be traced for a long distance upon the surface.
The writer commissioned one of the Engineers of his offi-
cial staff to examine the mines of this province, and he repor-
ted that the ancient miners had worked upon the larger auri-
ferous mineral vein for a distance of 350 metres.
Within the last few years, a small company undertook to
re-open these gold mines, and for that purpose commenced
an adit from the level of the valley upon the thinnest vein of
mineral, with the object of reaching the larger vein. Three
vertical pits had also been made upon this mineral guide, or
thinest vein, but the Engineer could not descend either of
them. They appeared to have a depth of 20 metres; but they
had not been connected to the adit.
The Engineer referred to presented a sample of mineral
which he obtained from these mines, which yielded by assay
80 grammes of gold per ton; but those presented by Mr. Loy-
nachan yielded a larger quantity of gold per ton.
It appears that these mines were again abandoned, and that
more recently they were obtained by Mr. D. Andres Baden, a
Civil Engineer, who intended to re-open them, but what
success he obtained is unknown to the writer.
In the same locality other auriferous veins of mineral exist,
but no formal works have been placed upon them, so that
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 2Q3
their productive qualities and commercial value is unknown.
Sometime prior to 18Q5, a company was formed to work
some of the copper mines in this province, and for the reduc-
tion of the ore. A small fundition was installed at a place si-
tuated at a distance of about 3 miles to the south of the small
village of San Agustin, and on the side of a stream of the sa-
me name.
In this establishment an Iron Water Jacket reduction furna-
ce, 36 inches in diameter, was erected and there were other
machines: the movement of the whole was obtained from
water force, which was brought to the establisment from a
distance of 600 metres.
A considerable amount of capital was expended in mining
and smelting operations; but the results are unknown. How-
ever, for some reason or another, the workings were sus-
pended.
Another company formed in, or about 1888, procured
various concessions of mines, and commenced to exploit some
gold mines. The mineral consisted of auriferous ferruginous
quartz, and at, or near to the surface, the ore was very porous.
Sometimes large cavities existed in the quartz which were
lined with red oxide of iron, and in these a large amount of
gold could be seen. Indeed, a selection from such cavities
would have assayed from 2000 to 3000 ounces of gold per
ton. At greater depth these appearances ceased, and the
quartz was poorer in gold. After expending a considerable
amount of capital, and working for some years, the affair was
abandoned.
Mines of Wolfram are now being exploited in this pro-
vince, and various isolated deposits of mica exist, but irre-
gular in quality.
There also exists a great abundance of lime-stone, from
which quick lime is made. Also an establishment has been
erected for the production of carburide of calcium.
2Q4 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
From the general sketch which we have been able to give
of the mines of this province, it must be manifest that it con-
tains an abundance of mineral wealth, and all that is required,
is sufficient capital, economically applied, for the development
of the mining and metallurgical industries. No doubt these
might be created to great advantage to those who would care
to adventure in them, but the examples of failure which has
so frequently occurred from the application of inadequate
capital, inept administration and mere speculation must be
avoided, if success is to be attained in such undertakings.
CHAPTER XIV
Mines and Mining in the Province of Buenos Aires
This province is bounded in the north by the provinces of
Cordoba, Santa Fe and Entre Rios; to the west by part of
the province of .Cordoba and the National Territories of the
Pampa Central and Rio Negro; to the south and east by the
Atlantic Ocean and Rio de la Plata.
This province extends over an area of 305,121 square kilo-
metres, it is, therefore, the largest in the Republic; and, as an
agricultural and stock breeding district, is exceedingly important
and, consequently, no mining industry compared to the
andine regions, is carried on in it. Nevertheless, an extensive
exploitation of the granite quarries of Tandil, and other places,
is effected, the stone being greatly employed for building and
paving purposes.
Various mining and exploring concessions have been
obtained from the provincial Government, ranging from 1874
to 1Q03. Some of the miners proposed working these.
Others were denominated as mines of lime, petroleum, gold
and silver, as also, salt ; but there is no data to hand proving
that any of these concessions were obtained for the purpose
296 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of a formal exploitation, and if any attempts were made there
are no returns as to the productive qualities of the mines
under notice.
The South American Salt and Chemical Production
Company (Limited)
Formerly a syndicate was formed for the object of obtaining
from the Provincial Government of the Plata, a special conces-
sion for the exploitation of the Salt which was discovered in
solution in one of the lakes situated partly in the Rio Negro
district. After a great deal of delay, a permission was obtained,
and possession of the salt mines — if the phrase is allowable-
was granted. However, difficulties occurred upon a change of
government in the province, and more delay occasioned; but,
finally, the original claims of the company appear to have
been recognised by the provincial Legislature.
A considerable amount of capital has been expended from
time to time, but the original modes of exploitation did not
seem to answer the objects of the company or market
demands, consequently, a new company was formed, and
additional capital obtained for the object of exploiting the
salt according to modern systems.
The water in the lake is highly saturated with salt, derived,
no doubt, from some deep seated beds of rock salt.
The plant now installed consists of a powerful pumping
station to pump the saline water to a raised reservoir, from
whence the brine is conveyed by means of 4 inch diameter iron
pipes for a long distance to other works situated at the Bay of
San Bias. These works consist of a receiver and evaporating
basins, some of which are covered and others are in the open
air, by which means, two classes of salt are obtained, one
very fine and the second coarser.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 297
The company has taken all possible means to ensure good
results, and to maintain its produce without limit, and in this
way an industry of great importance has been instituted in
this province.
The salt has all the qualities necessary to recommed it for
domestic and all other purposes.
It has been analyzed by various professional chemists. The
following is by Doctor P. N. Arata.
Water per cent 0.95% 1-27%
Chloride of sodium 97'49 " 96'68 "
Sulphate of calcium 0'51 " 0'77 "
Chloride of calcium 0'91 " 0'77 "
Chloride of magnesia traces traces
Oxide of iron, silica, insoluble matter traces traces
99-86 99-49
From this analysis, it is evident that the salt is of excellent
quality and sufficiently pure for all branches of industry to
which salt can be applied.
Another analysis of this salt was made to accompany a
collection of samples of salt, in various forms, which the
writer included in the collection of minerals which he exhibited
in the Argentine mining and metallurgical section at the Chi-
cago Exhibition in 1893.
Chloride of sodium 97'67 °/0
Sulphate of sodium traces
Sulphate of calcium 1*72 "
Chloride of magnesia .... 0'09 "
Insoluble matter 0'08 "
Water 0'44 "
100-00 %
2Q8 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The mining and metallurgical section of this Republic and
that of Spain, in the above named exhibition, were along side
each other, and the technical commissioner of Spain frequently
examined the salt in question, and as he was also a member
of the Jury, it fell to his lot to examine the exhibit of salt of
the Argentine section in a technical and critical manner, and
he determined that the salt produced by the Rio Negro salt
company, was of a superior class; and in his report to the
whole body of commissioners of the jury of awards said
that this salt "is the best for a commercial purpose, of any
presented in the Exhibition", and on arriving at this conclus-
sion, he made a comparison of the celebrated salt of Cadiz,
large samples of which were exhibited in the Spanish section.
The general commission of jurymen, consequently, gave the
company the highest award.
It is, therefore, useless to cite other favourable opinions,
such, for example, as that of Don Manuel de la Fuente,
President of the Union of proprietors of the company of sal
of Cadiz.
The Rio Negro salt Company is believed to produce a large
annual quantity of salt; but the writer possesses no data relative
to the exact quantity.
CHAPTER XV
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of
The Andes
This large and important tract of land is situated in the
north-western part of the Republic, and is bounded to the
north by Bolivia, to the east by the provinces of Salta and Ju-
juy, to the south by that of Catamarca, and to the west by the
eastern limits of part of the Republic of Chile.
It is a new national territory which passed into the posses-
sion of the Argentine National Government by arbitration in
1889, and extends over an area of 64,500 square kilometres.
The small hamlet called San Antonio de los Cobres, has
recently been created the capital of this territory, and is the
official residence of the governor and his staff.
This region was originally claimed by Chile, as also by the
provincial government of Salta. For a considerable time prior to
18Q9, extensive deposits of Bo rate of lime were known to exist
in this territory, and, in one or two cases, the authority of Salta
conceded a permit to exploit them.
The Chilian authorities, also, knew that this tract of land,
originally known to them under the name of Puna de Ataca-
300 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
ma, contained much mineral wealth and, therefore, there was
much reluctance to give it up, but it must not be confounded
with those extensive regions called the Desert of Atacama,
which is situate on the western side of the divisory line
between the two Republics and in which existed such immense
camps of Nitrates and Guano-deposits.
To reach the central mining districts of the National Ter-
ritory of the Andes; it is necessary to obtain mules und guides,
and all provisions for the journey from Salta, which occupies
days continual travelling and, with few exceptions, the mule
tract passes through mountain regions devoid of resources.
The route passes through a serie of alternate gorges and
over mountain ridges, each succeeding one rising higher than
the preceding ones, so that the journey is not only fatiguing,
but dangerous as well.
The plateau or table land of the Territory of the Andes
at a place called Cauchari attains an elevation of at least
4000 metres above sea level, and constitutes an extensive
undulating camp or desert, as far as the eye can reach,
and is bounded to the west by chains of mountains rising
one above another and extending into the main andine
chain which separates the Argentine and Chilian Repu-
blics. The desert camp possesses no resources whatever,
either for man or beast, and the few Indians scattered about
this enormous camp, and in the valleys surrounding it, are of
the poorest class imaginable. Of the birds inhabiting these
high regions only one or two types have been discovered,
and these are mere starvelings. There is nothing to represent
pasture except, here and there, a few withered tufts of hard
grass.
It is a saline inhospitable region utterly incapable, in its pre-
sent natural condition, to support such a population as may
hereafter be required to exploit the mines already discovered,
and hereafter to be discovered.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 301
Consequent upon the accounts received from Chile and the
province of Salta, referring to the large deposits of borate of
lime, said to exist in these elevated regions, there was, to use
a gold miners expression, a great rush, and the National Go-
vernment offices of mines and geology received a large num-
ber of applications for borate concessions.
The principal districts in which the borate of lime deposits
exist are; 1st., Caurchari; 2d., Antuco; 3d., Pastos Grandes;
4th., Hombre Muerto; 5th., Ratones, and 6th., Diablillos.
Ratones has an elevation of about 3450 metres.
The first named is situated at a distance of 180 miles from
the railway station at Salta, Cerrillos, the second at 144 miles,
and the third at 189 miles respectively.
The altitude of these regions varies between those already
assigned, the mule tracts leading to them passing over sterile
plateaux, precipitous mountain ridges and gorges. Never-
theless, some years since a german, the late Mr. G. Boden,
obtained concessions for the exploitation of certain borate
deposits, and he exported several tons of mineral to Germany.
Besides this miner, it should be noted that another pioneer,
Mr. Fressart, of French nationality, actually founded minerals
in these regions employing as fundent borate of lime, and other
elements.
The borate of lime deposits are irregular in thickness, and in
some places the mineral is found at the surface; but, in gene-
ral it is covered with debris of from a few inches up to 1 yard in
thickness; the debris having to be removed before the borate
of lime can be extracted.
In the whole of the mining districts of this Territory about
219 concessions of borate of lime have been applied for, and.
of these, 20 have been granted and 199 awaiting to be granted,
Also, 126 applications have been made for exploring rights.
Various questions of a legal nature have arisen in reference
302 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
to concessions on applications in general, affecting virtual
or claimed rights, consequently, more time has been taken up
in studying and deciding these questions than is ordinarily the
case.
It appears that a strong English company, possesses extensive
borate of lime deposits in various parts of the world, and that
the agent or Engineer of that Company visited the borate de-
posits of the Andine territory. It also seems that offers were
made with an object of acquiring the concessions which
various persons had applied for to the National Government.
This exterior action on the part of the agent or Engineer re-
ferred to did not facilitate the official dispatch of the claims,
but, on the contrary retarded them, because opinions were
emitted, not favourable to some of the claimants for mining
concessions; besides, plans exhibiting the limits of some of
the mines, and calculations as to the quantity of borate of
lime were made, which could never be officially received.
Various estimates have been made referring to the cost of
transport of the crude borate of lime from the deposits situated
in the districts named to the nearest railway station, and natu-
rally a difference exists in such appreciations, caused, in some
cases, by the facility or otherwise of obtaining a constant
supply of pack-mules, and the exigencies and caprice of the
mule owners, so that the cost of transport, by such means,
must be uncertain and unreliable, unless, indeed, a contract
could be made securing the mules at a determined price, and
for a long period.
A mule load consists of 300 pounds and to transport
an English ton 7'46 mules, or practically 8 would be re-
quired.
It is certain that if formal workings were to be established
in the various mining districts of this territory, the cost of la-
bour at the mines, materials and means of transport would be
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 303
augmented, because, when the difficulties came to be dealt
with, the disposition of the miners employed would be uncer-
tain, and there would be frequent changes and requirements
presented by them: therefore, it is exceedingly difticult to set-
tle, in an absolute manner, the cost of placing a ton of mine-
ral at the nearest railway station — Cerillos — in the province
of Salta.
However, taking all the conditions and circumstances into
consideration, the writer believes that the following estimate
of cost is as near an approximation to the truth as is possible,
before a real exploitation has commenced.
Borate of lime differs in quality in the various districts, de-
pending upon the quantity of foreign or brute materials mixed
with it. In some localities it is however, comparatively pure,
and samples obtained from the Caurchari deposits submitted
to an official analysis, yielded the following elements.
Boric acid 39'50 °/0
Hydrochloric acid 0'46 "
Sulphuric » 0'26 "
Carbonic » 0'02 "
Carbon 7'38 "
Magnesia 0'32 "
Lime 12'81 "
Oxide of Iron 0'39 "
Sand 5-08 "
Water 33'78 "
100-00
The borate of lime obtained from the Chilian deposits, is
richer in boric acid than that contained in those to which we
have been referring, and consequently, the type of 44 °/0 has
been accepted as a basis by which to estimate the pro rata
difference in price to be paid for borate of lime having a less
percentage of acid than 44 %.
304 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The price of borate of lime has fluctuated to a considerable
extent in the London market during the last few years. For
example, in March, 18Q9, the price was at the rate of
£ 13 10s- Od- per ton; but in the following month of April,
the price fell to £ 11 10s- Od-.
In September, of the same year, borate of lime was offered
at £ 10 0s- Od-, and in the following October, at £ 9 10s- Od
It was understood that in 1900, one of the largest dealers in
borate of lime actually made offers to sell at the rate of £ 6
per ton. Nevertheless, more recently a reaction set in and
offers were made at £ 9 per ton.
It is, therefore, certain that due to the inevitable law of
demand and supply, too frequently set in motion, and con-
trolled by curious modes of speculation, the substance under
consideration, like various other commercial articles, suffer
violent fluctuations in market price.
Taking all the conditions and circumstances into careful
consideration, it must be evident how impossible it would be
to fix a definite price, beforehand, for this class of mineral.
However, if an expert valuing engineer were to be consulted
upon the value of any given district containing borate of lime,
he would require to make an approximation to the truth.
In order, therefore, to make a fair estimate, which shall not
savour of exaggeration, it has been taken that the average selling
price of borate of lime, assaying 44 °/0 of boric acid, would
be, say, £ 9 per ton.
The various assays made of the borate of lime, extracted
from the deposits of the Territory of the Andes, prove that it
will not yield, as an average, more than 39'50 °/0 of boric acid
and, consequently, compared with the normal type of 44 °/0>
would suffer a pro rata reduction in the selling price.
The calculated reduction will, therefore, appear as follows.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 305
As 44 per cent: 3Q'50 per cent : : £ 9, : the selling
price delivered in England, per ton £ 8 1s Qd
Total estimated cost of production 8711
Loss per ton on sale. . £ 0 6s 2d
The borate of lime deposits in the province of Jujuy, are
situated at a place called Tres Moros, and the distance from
the mines, to the capital, Jujuy, is 68 miles, and to the railway
station of Cerrillos, in the province of Salta; by the way of the
Quebrada del Toro, 112 miles.
By the first route, the transport is at the rate of 35 dollars
per ton; but by the second, the cost of transport is 45 dollars
per ton, an excess over the former of 10 dollars; but this is
more than counterbalanced by the fact that by the latter route,
the transport is more facile, and is effected, in part, by carts.
The transport is, therefore, more rapid, and a greater quantity
is transported in a given time, than when the mineral is carried
entirely by pack mules.
The borate of lime deposits in the province of Jujuy, are
exploited by a Belgian Company, and in order to make a fair
comparison between the value of the mines here and those of
the Andes, it would be fair to take the estimated working
expenses at the same rate for both districts. The total cost,
including working expenses and transport by the first route, in
the province of Jujuy, would therefore amount to 62'10 paper
dollars per ton, and by the second route, or that of the Que-
brada del Toro, 72' 10 dollars per ton. The port of delivery, in
both cases, is that of Colastine.
According to these calculations, there exists a difference of
23'50 paper dollars in one case, and 13*50 in the other; per
ton, in favour of working the borate mines of this province
as compared with those in the National Territory of the
Andes.
306 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
At Tres Moros, the locality in which the borate deposits
are being exploited, no wood exists, consequently, it has to be
carried from other parts of the province to the mines, where
it is employed for the object of drying the borate mineral, and,
for this object, drying furnaces or stoves with a large super-
ficial area are employed. The mineral is thinly spread upon
the heated surface of the calcining furnace, and frequently
turned over, until a great part of the humidity has been ex-
pelled, after which the mineral is placed in bags for transport.
In Chile, the calcination furnaces are constructed with a
heating surface of 8 square metres, of a form something like a
reverbatory furnace, but with a level bottom upon which the
borate mineral is spread to from 8 to 10 centimetres in thick-
ness. A chimney is placed in the middle of the covering or
arch of the calcining furnace to carry off the steam, and there
is a stove at each end in which either coal or wood is consu-
med, the heat being distributed to all parts of the under-side of
the bottom or platform, upon the surface of which, the mi-
neral is placed.
Each furnace carries about 2 tons, and the whole of the
drying, or calcining process, costs about 6 dollars per ton.
The form of the calcining furnaces employed in the pro-
vince of Jujuy is not known to the writer, nor the cost of the
operation, but it would not exceed that of Chile.
Upon the data which precedes, the following calculations
have been made, and they are as near the truth as is possible
under the circumstances. The two estimates of cost of trans-
port have been employed.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 307
Per ton Per ton
Dollars Dollars £ s. d. £ s. d.
Cost of labour and wood in calcining the mineral. ... 6'00 6'00 0 10 4 0 10 4
Working expenses, transport, etc 62'10 72'10 562 634
Total cost on ship board at the port of Colastlne $ 68'10 8 78'10 £ 5 16 2 £ 6 13 8
However, the reduction of 33 % calcination affects
the cosf of transport per ton of mineral in the same
proportion, that is to say $ 16'20 8 19'30 £17 8 £ 1 13 4
Reduced cost per ton due to calcination $ 51'90 $ 58'80 £48 10 £5 04
These values have been reduced to an english standard,
taking the rate of exchange at 2*32 paper dollars as equal to 1
dollar gold, and allowing 5*04 gold dollars as the equivalent
to the english sovereign.
It will be observed that, in a general way, the calcination
process does not eliminate the whole of the moisture from the
borate of lime; 3'78 per cent has therefore been reduced
from the assay value.
For the total reduced cost, and profit per ton, we have the
following results.
s d s d
Total amount of cost delivered on board in the port of Colastine £4 8 10 £5 04
Cost of transporting 13'4 Cwt. of dry mineral to Liverpool 0 13 5 0 13 5
£5 2 3 £5 13 9
Warehousing, commissions, insurance, etc 016 016
Total cost delivered in England £ 5 3 9 £ 5 15 3
The difference shown in favour of drying the mineral, and
the profit per ton, may easily be deduced, having the selling
price of crude borate of lime in London.
However, the borate mineral existing in the various districts
of the National Territory of the Andes, could not be treated in
the same manner, because it would be necessary to transport
the mineral for calcination purposes from remote places to
lower levels in the province of Salta, or transport the wood
to the mines.
Under these circumstances, it is difficult to understand upon
308 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
what grounds the London Consolidated Borax Company
desired to acquire all the mining concessions situated in
these elevated regions.
However, a company is about to be formed for the object
of treating the borate of lime by a new process, which promi-
ses to yield beneficial results from the borate of lime deposits
in the district of Caurchari. It is proposed to place an establish-
ment in the mountain regions in a locality well adapted for
the object indicated.
The borate of lime deposits in Peru and Bolivia, contain the
following elements.
Peru Bolivia
Boric acid 45-90 % 38'74 %
Soda 7-80 " 13'23 "
Lime 4'80 " 13'83 "
Water 35'80 " 32'35 "
Potash " 0-68 "
Sand and earth. ... " 0'96 "
Magnesia " 0.21 "
The quality of the Chilian borate of lime is too well known
to be repeated; but as a comparison of cost and profit, it is
considered advantageous to give the following estimates.
The principal supply of borate of lime in Chile, is obtained
from three districts i. e., Ascotan, Salinas Grandes and San
Pedro de Atacama. The first is situated in the neighbourhood
of the volcan of the same name. The railway station at Ascotan
appears to be situated in about 22° 27' south latitude, and 68° 25
west longitude.
The writer has investigated this question as far as possible,
and has ascertained that the borate of lime deposits at Ascotan
are exploited by the London Consolidated Borax Company,
which seem to have a branch railway from the mines of
Ascotan to the Grand trunk railway running to Antofagasta.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 30Q
It is reported that the cost of transporting the mineral is at
the rate of 16 paper dollars, or say £ 1 7s 4d per ton, and if we
add the cost of transporting the borate of lime from Antofa-
gasta to England, or say at the rate of £2 per ton, we should
have a total cost for the delivery of the mineral in England
of £ 3 7s 4d per ton.
Estimated cost of working etc., say. . . . £ 5 18s 10d
Warehousing, commissions, insurance, etc . " 0 1 6
Total estimated cost .£60 4
Exclusive of the cost of transporting the borate of lime by
sea, we have taken the other calculation upon the produce of
crude borate, or humid mineral, delivered near to the port of
Antofagasta, where it is dried for transport.
We must, therefore, consider that instead of having to trans-
port by sea to England 1 ton of crude humid ore, at the rate
of £ 2 per ton, the drying process reduces it to 13'4 hundred
weights, and, consequently, the entire cost would stand as
follows:
Cost of transport at the rate of ... £ 1 6s 10d per ton
Exploiting, drying, etc., etc "211 5
Carriage of mineral from the mines to
Antofagasta "1 7 4 " "
Contingencies, insurance and commis-
sions '.' 016""
Total cost delivered in England . £ 5 7 6 per ton
Although the estimated cost of production and preparing the
mineral was taken upon the ton of crude mineral, the trans-
port was taken upon the produce of a ton of mineral in its
reduced or dry condition, and in order to make a fair com-
parison, instead of selling a ton in weight, we should only have
13-4 Cwts. to sell.
310 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Now, if a ton of dry mineral containing 44 °/0 of boric acid
were to be offered at the rate of £ 6 per ton, as it has been re-
ported, the 13-4 Cwts. would have a pro ratio, value of £ 4 6s
4d 1/2 i. e.
Cost of production and transportation of
13-4 Cwts. of mineral to England. . . . £ 5 7s ld
Selling price of 13'4 Cwts. of dry mineral. . "4 6 4 */2
Loss upon the transaction. . . £ 1 0 8 1/2
To put the case in another form, a ton of dried mineral would
be sold, say, at the proposed price of £ 6, and, consequently
the transport from the port of embarcation to Europe would
cost £ 2 per ton, as it would for a ton of humid mineral.
Per ton
Then the entire cost of production and transport
would be equal to .......... £ 6 0s 3d
Proposed selling price ......... "60 0
Estimated profit per ton ..£00 3
We should get the same figures by adding the cost of
transporting 6*6 Cwts. of dried mineral to the sum of
£5 7s ld =£6 0s 3d.
It is difficult to comprehend how a strong London Company
could offer a large quantity of dried borate of lime, containing
44 °/0 of boric acid at a profit of £ 0 0 3 per ton, unless, in-
deed, their working expenses were less than that estimated
above, but it may also have been in excess.
At all events, we have proved that nothing is gained by the
drying process, except the difference between the cost of
transport of 1 ton of humid mineral, and its product in a dry
state. The idea entertained by some that the percentage of the
mineral is augmented by the drying process is absurd, for the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 311
reason that the low degree of heat employed in calcining the
mineral could not, by any means, concentrate the boric acid
contained in the mineral; but it may have the effect of dimi-
nishing it.
We have already shown in this chapter, that as the borate
of lime camps in the territory of the Andes, exist at such along
distance from any Railway station, and that at present there is
no other mode of transport except that of pack-mules, and at
such an exhorbitant cost, it would be utterly impossible to ex-
ploit the mines upon a large scale so as to obtain adequate
profit, consequently, no large company in existence, possessing
large experience in the cost of producing and selling borate of
lime, could pretend to possess all the borate concessions soli-
cited in the territory of the Andes with a view of exploiting them:
we can only infer, therefore, that the intention is that of mo-
nopoly; but according to the dispositions of the code of mines
of the Republic, the possessors of borate properties are obl^ed
to keep constantly upon the ground 6 workmen for each con-
cession during 230 days in each year, with the condition that
on the contrary the property or properties are forfeited to the
State.
Such an establishment as that proposed to be erected by an
independent company, in a suitable place in the mountains,
and employing a new process for the treatment of the mineral
with a view of raising the percentage of boric acid by the
expulsion of the greater part of the deleterious elements, must
be encouraged, and the operations of the company facilitated
by all possible means within legal and equitable limits.
All the elements necessary exist in the locality selected for
the new establishment, and after having studied the new pro-
cess, the writer is satisfied that sucess will attend the efforts of
the projected company.
The demand for boric acid is increasing every year, and for
312
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
these reasons, commercial houses are exploring for new de-
posits of borate of lime, or such other substances as contain
boric acid in sufficient quantities to produce a profit.
The deposits of hydro-borate of lime etc., in the United
States of North America, Turkey, Peru, Bolivia, Italy and
other places, are being exploited, and those of this Republic
will follow.
A probable close approximation to the true yield of boric
acid would be about 22,000 tons per annum.
It is an important commercial article and has a variety of
uses, and in an article in the "Chemical News" by Mr. Fle-
ming, 13th. February 1891. It is stated.
" Borax is now generally and extensively used amongst the
" industries of the world and such advances have been made
" during the last 30 years, both in new discoveries of the mi-
" neral itself, or of material from which it can be manufactured,
" f^t some account is rendered necessary of its consumption
" and production. It is employed in various branches of
" hardware, earthenware, textile, chemical and food industries.
" In the capacity of a flux for the reduction of precious metals,
" and in soldering gold, it is used for brazing copper, for
" welding steel and iron together, for enamelling both copper
" and iron, and for lining between the inner and outer shells
" of fire proof safes.
" Mixed with other ingredients it forms a very fusible glass,
" fit and necessary for glazing china, earthenware, bricks and
" tiles. It is used in the manufacture of glass, and also in those
" cements that take a polish after setting.
" It is employed in dissolving shellack, in the manufacture
" of hats, in dissolving the glutinous matter adhering to raw
" silk by weavers, in calico printing, and fire proofing delicate
" fabrics, in the fabrication of paper, in starch, glazing linen,
" and the preparation of candle wicks.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 313
" It is used in dyeing leather, curing hides and skins, and the
" chemical tanning of leather.
" In the chemical industries it is employed in the production
" of borate of Chromium, borate of manganese, in the manufac-
" ture of soap, in the formation of toning baths for silver prints.
" by photographers, and in several pharmaceutical preparations,
" As a food preserver it is now largely used by American
" pork packers as an antiseptic, many thousands of tons of
" bacon being so preserved annually. "
No doubt other uses will occur, rendering the demand
greater, and as some of the greater camps of borate of lime
diminish in their productive capacity, the price of boric acid,
and the crude mineral will rise. No doubt this is the reason
why the largest companies are exerting all their energies to
acquire as many deposits of this mineral as is possible, so as to
be able to control the price at which this mineral shall be
sold. In this way, if a company is strong, it could at times
undersell others, at a loss, with the assurance that smaller
companies, with limited resources, would fail ; but in the end
the larger ones would realize a fortune.
In order to direct attention to the discovery of substances
containing boric-acid, the following will show some of the
more important ores i. e., Axinite, boro-silicate of alumina;
iron, etc., 2 to 5 % ; Boracite, borate of magnesia, 61 to 62 °/0 ;
Crytomorphite, hydrous borate of calcium and sodium, 5 °/0 ;
Datholite, boro-silicate of lime, 18 to 20%; Hydroboracite,
borate of lime and magnesia, 41 to 48%; Lagonite, hydrous
borate of iron, 48 % ; Lardevellite, hydrous borate of ammo-
nia, 68%; Ludwigite, borate of iron and magnesia, 16%;
Priceite, borate of lime, 49 to 50 % ; Rhodizite, lime boracite,
30 to 45 % ; Stassfurtite, boracite, 61 % ; Sussexite, hydrous
borate of manganese and magnesium 32 % ; Szaibelyite,
hydrous borate of magnesia, 37 % ; Tinkalzite, borate of lime,
314 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
37 °/0 ; Tourmaline, boro-silicate of aluminum and magnesium,
2 to 8 °/0 ; Tiza, boro-natro-calcite 30 to 40 °/0 ; Ulexite, boro-
natro-calcite, or hyrous borate of calcium and sodium
(hayesine) 42°/0; and Warwickite, boro-titanate of iron and
magnesium 27 °/0.
Theoretical Considerations upon the Formation of Boric Acid
We are informed upon the authority of some of the most
eminent chemical metallurgists of the day, that two forms of
Boron have been already recognised, one as a greenish
brown amorphous powder, slightly soluble in water, and the
other (adamantine) crystalline, and with a lustre and hardness
inferior only to that of the diamond. Boron does not, however,
occur in nature in a free condition, but it may be prepared by
treating boric acid at a high temperature, with some powerful
reducing agent. For a further explanation, Watt's Chemical
Dictionary may be consulted.
Sulphate of boron, may be said to be a white crystalline
body, decomposed by water.
Amorphous boron, is a greenish-brown powder; it burns
in oxygen, and gives off boric acid and, at a red heat, it
decomposes water and forms the same acid and hydrogen.
Carbon boride, crystallized from fused copper, is a black
crystalline substance, igniting when heated in oxygen at 1830°
Fahr.; but it burns with difficulty because the boric anhydride
produced, forms a protecting film. It is, however, insoluble in
all acids, but is attacked by fused alkalies.
It is known from experience, that Basalt fuses at 2,250° Fahr.
while Rhyolite is still viscid at 3,100 Fahr.
The lower temperature of volcanic effusions is characterized
by steam, carbonic acid, etc.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 315
Williams, in his "Manual of Lithology", states, that with the
higher temperatures, both fluoric and boric acid are associated,
and we are still further informed that the elements of water may
be even retained in fused compounds, at the temperature of
gnition under atmospheric pressure, as is seen in hydrates and
acid sulphates of potassium; but, in certain vitrious borates of
sodium and potassium, which at a red heat, and in tranquil
fusion, hold an amount of hydrogen equal to 1'2 and 1*3
hundredths of water, and are, under these conditions slowly
decomposed by metallic iron, with abundant disengagement
of hydrogen gas, which burns with a green flame from the
presence of combined boron. The best authority to consult
upon such curious and important details is Prof. T. Stery Hunt
in his "Mineral Physiology".
It is impossible to enumerate here the various theories which
have been advanced, from time to time, with the view of explai-
ning the origin and formation of boric acid, and of the mineral
containing it; but the writerisof the opinion thatthe difficulties
which surround this curious and interesting question, are
almost insuperable, and have for the moment impeded a proper
and definite solution.
The natural phenomena connected with the borax deposits
of Italy, would seem to point to the true source from whence
the boric acid emanated.
Under all the circumstances presented, it is highly probable
that at undefined depths in the crust of the earth, rocks existed*
and still exist, containing the elements of boric acid, and that
these were acted upon by alkaline substances in a fused con-
dition which, together with other elements, liberated boric
acid, and this being mixed with hot humid sulphurous and
other gases, ascended together through volcanic craters,
cracks or fissures in the strata, and, finally coming in contact
with cold air, became condensed and precipitated, and meeting
316
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
with other mineral elements, some probably in solution, such
as carbonate of lime, would combine and form the mineral
known as Priceite, and others, as also various other elements
such as sodium chloride, as is seen by an inspection of the
classifications already given.
When in solution, such mixed elements as those indicated,
would flow or be carried to lower levels and become depos-
ited in open fisures of the rocks, and, also, in basins or lakes,
and, in some cases, veins of borate of lime, etc., would be for-
med and, in course of time, become solidifield and partially
crystalized between the rocks.
No doubt a similar process must, in some cases, have taken
place in other surface depressions, afterwards becoming lakes,
and when the water evaporated, or the ground was raised or
consolidated, a compact mass would remain, and afterwards
become covered with surface soil.
It is, also, quite possible that in other cases, the deep seated
gases ascended through fissures directly into basins full of
water, as is the case in Italy and, apparently, in North America.
No doubt the water in the lakes was highly charged with car-
bonate of lime and soda, which would at once unite with the
boric acid gases and produce the mineral in the condition in
which it is found. It is highly probable that the borate of lime
deposits, etc., found in South America, Asia and the United
States, were formed in some such manner.
The fact that boric acid is found in Tourmaline, which is crys-
talline silicate of alumina and magnesia, is a proof that this
element exists in the rocks as previously demonstrated.
Referring to the technical modes of treating boric mineral,
various systems have been proposed, such as those of Gootch,
Rosenblatt, Moor and others. The latter obtained a British
Patent in 18QQ, and his system seems to fulfil the required
conditions.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 317
The simple methods of using chlorine and sulphuric acid for
the extraction of boric acid from boro-calcite and mud deposits
are too well known to be described here.
The quantity of sulphuric acid required to extract the boric
acid from a given weight of borate mineral depends upon the
amount of calcite present, also, the quantity of carbonate of
soda to be employed with the boric acid to constitute borax,
depends upon the amount of lime present.
It may, however, be determined very exactly in the labo-
ratory.
In some small establishments which existed in this country,
the quantity of sulphuric acid employed in the process of
refining the borate of lime, has been at the rate of 1 part of
the former to 3 parts of the latter.
In the territory of the Andes, large deposits of sulphur exist
which, later on, will, no doubt, be utilized for many purposes.
It is of an excellent quality.
Copper mines also exist there, one of which was worked
to a small extent some years since by Mr. Fressart, who foun-
ded the mineral in a rude furnace which he constructed, but
copper mining and smelting operations were discontinued.
Gold mines also exist, one of which contains veins of auri-
ferous quartz. Ancient workings and excavations have been
discovered upon this quartz vein, which are believed to have
been made by the Indians. The pits and excavations are now
filled with debris and stones, the work of atmospheric action
and time, or of the Indians.
Mr. Fressart made other pits close to the ancient ones, and
discovered some of the copper tools employed by the Indians
in their mining operations, so that the gold mines in question
must have been exploited during the bronze age, probably
before, or during the earlier Inca period.
Naturally, in a district so remote from the centres of civi-
318 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
lization, with but few natural resources, Mr. Fressart has
exploited his gold mine under the greatest possible difficulty.
The machinery he employs was made by himself, and is,
naturally of a primitive kind just sufficient to enable him to
pulverize the quartz and to treat it by the ordinary amalga-
mation process. The quartz is calcined and while in a hot
condition is plunged into cold water, which has the effect of
disentegrating it, and rendering it in a fitter condition for
pulverization.
The pits made upon this auriferous vein of quartz, have a
depth of 18 metres, and the amount of gold extracted is at the
rate of 30 grammes per ton. Some portions of the vein have
yielded at the rate of 45 grammes of gold per ton. Mr. Fres-
sart has exploited this mine for a period of 8 years, and it is
situated at an altitude of 4'600 metres above sea level. The
owner has the intention of searching for aid, and introducing
modern machinery to treat the mineral, but such machinery
would have to be constructed in sections, each of which
must not weigh more than 300 pounds.
No doubt the mountains surrounding the borax and saline
camps, especially towards the west and north west, contain
a vast amount of economic mineral deposits particularly
copper veins which probably contain gold and silver, as also,
many auriferous quartz veins.
These regions have not, however, been yet examined by
practical mining experts, consequently, it is impossible to do
more at present than speak in general terms.
The number of applications for concessions of mines and
permits of exploration of mineral lands received in the Mining
Offices of the National Government, have already been given.
CHAPTER XVI
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of
Misiones
Not long since a large portion of this territory was transferred
to the Brazilian Republic by act of arbitration dictated by the
President of the United States of North America.
It is situated at the extreme north-eastern part of the Repu-
blic, and may be considered to be a continuation of the north
eastern portion of the province of Corrientes.
According to the act of Arbitration, the north-western boun-
dary of Misiones, is a branch or continuation of the river Pa-
rana, until it reaches the river Guazu, which, with the river
San Antonio, bounds its northern and eastern limits. Its
southern and western limits are bounded by the river San
Javier. It extends over an area of 2Q,229 square kilometres.
In Chapter I, of notes upon ancient mines, etc., we have
referred to this noted and historical tract of land, and given at
length all that can be collected as to the mining feats of the
Jesuits.
Various, so called, expeditions and commissions have been
formed to examine and report upon the resources of this part
320
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of the Republic; but as far as a mining region is concerned,
nothing definite was arrived at. It is true that some stones
were collected which appeared to be of a volcanic origin.
Nevertheless, there exist small deposits of native copper,
various samples of which are in the possession of the writer:
these occur in isolated places, as also, in thin veins about 2
inches thick, but they cannot be traced for any great distance
due, probably, to the exhuberant vegetation. At all events, if
they were to extend, no benefit would be obtained from an
exploitation because a tunnel would have to be driven into the
solid rock in order to extract the thin veins of native copper:
besides, at present, it is a region but little inhabited, with indif-
ferent resources and means of transport.
The writer has always held a firm opinion that the Jesuits
possessed important gold and silver mines on the Brazilian side
of the mountains which separate that Republic from Misiones,
before the land was divided.
In fact it is a fine field in which explorations may be made
with the probability that some rich mines would be discovered.
Various persons, from time to time, have applied forcon-
cessions of native copper, and, also, for right of exploration,
but although seven such applications are registered on the
books of our mining offices, still, the requirements of the law
were not carried out in either case, consequently the applica-
tions have lapsed.
In answer to a circular note from the National offices of
mines, the governor of the Territory informed the writer that
no mining operations were being carried on in this national
territory.
CHAPTER XVII
Mines and Mining in the National Territory
of The Pampa Central
This National Territory is bounded to the north by the pro-
vinces of Mendoza and Cordoba, to the east by the province
of Buenos Aires, to the south by the river Colorado, and to
the west by part of the National Territory of Neuquen, and
extends over an area of 145,Q07 square kilometres. The Capi-
tal of the Territory is General Acha.
In searching for the old copper and gold mines of Pay en,
to which reference has already been made, a Chilian mining
pioneer, the late Thomas Bobadilla, imagined that he had
traced Payen to this locality, and consequently, after having
discovered some poor copper deposits, made application, in
1888, to the National Department of Mines and Geology for
concessions of mines in the district of Lihuelcalel, naming
his mining claims "Descubrtdora", and "Elvira". Soon after-
wards, another Chilian applied for various other concessions
in his own name and in the names of others. There were as
many as 52 solicitudes for mines, a selected group of which
was granted. A company was formed in Buenos Aires to
322 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
exploit these copper mines. One of the principal subscribers,
was Mr. A. Millot, of French origen, who for straightforward
and honourable dealing, few could equal him. It was represen-
ted that the mines were rich in copper as, also, in gold
and silver, and a diligent selection of a few small, but rich
samples induced the shareholders to believe in the repre-
sentations. Attempts at exploitation were carried on for a con-
siderable length of time and meanwhile the writer procured a
large number of samples from the various mines which were
assayed; but the results obtained did not induce him to believe
that the Lihuelcalel copper mines were equal to many others
which existed in various parts of the Republic.
The writer commissioned one of the Departmental mining
engineers to demark or set out the the mining concessions in
question, make a map of the district and report upon the mines.
This he did, and his conclusions confirmed the opinion which
the writer had already formed. In his report, the engineer above
referred to, Mr. Andres Franchy says 'The quartziferous mi-
neral existing in this district appears at the surface in various
places and principally consists of Silicate of Copper and Oli-
gistic iron, also, although in less quantity, Erubescite, oxide and
sulphide of copper, which, in the samples assayed, have
shown gold and silver, as may be seen further on.
The silicate of copper is found disseminated in all parts of
the rocks in the form of impregnations and incrustations, as
also minute veins of pure mineral.
The existence of copper, in the form indicated, is evident
in the excavations made in the mines "Flor de la Pampa",
"Descubridora", "Dos Chilenos", "Elisa", "Elvira", etc.,
and extends for a distance of 2 kilometres.
The mine "Flor de la Pampa", contains a mineral vein 25
centimetres in thickness, running north 20° east, and inclining
83° towards the west. It is composed of silicate of copper
and oligistic iron.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
323
Of the distinct geological phenomena observed in this
district, and the study of the various samples of mineral, the
following theory referring to the origen of the silicate of
copper in the Lihuelcalel district has been deduced. Origi-
nally, it is highly probable that the copper existed in the form
of pyrites, which by the decomposition of its superficial parts,
must have been oxidized and become converted into soluble
sulphate, dissolved by water and attacked by calcium silicates
contained in the felspar of the adjoining rock, and converted
into silicate of copper, which was finally deposited as incrus-
tations and impregnations in the form in which it now occurs.
This theory, which is the one which accords more with the
different things observed in this neighbourhood, induces the
inference that in the depth sulphides of copper may exist".
The following assays of mineral from this district were
made in the laboratory of the National Department of Mines
and Geology.
NAME OF MINE
Copper
per cent.
Silver per French
Ton.
'Flor de la Pampa"
7-25
3-92
4-12
5-40
7-40
o-oo
95 grarr
15
74
25
10
75
imes
'Elisa"
'Descubridora"
'Elvira" .... . . .
'Dos Chilenos"
'Elvira" (Quartz).
A more complete assay, made of some selected samples
from the mine Elisa, which presented small points of aurife-
rous pyrites and sulphide of copper, gave the following
result.
324
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Copper
Silver .
Gold
36-33 °/o
102*06 | grammes
10-00 (per ton
If, therefore, solid copper lodes of a fair thickness existed,
from which a large annual yield could be obtained, the last
preceding analysis would be all that could be required for a
beneficial exploitation; but the engineer referred to does not
indicate any such conditions in his report. However, the
theory he has proposed led him to form the opinion that such
conditions may exist in the depth. It is only, therefore, a
question of a practical trial.
Without a personal study upon the ground itself, the writer
cannot prove, or disprove, the concessions arrived at by the
engineer previously referred to.
Recently a new company has solicited some of the mines
in this district, which have been granted, so that if works are
extended in them, the problem will then be solved, as also,
their commercial value.
CHAPTER XVIII
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Neuquen
This exceedingly important tract of land is bounded to the
north by the southern extremity of the province of Mendoza;
to the east by a portion of the Territory of Rio Negro; to the
south east and south, by the great river Limay and a smaller
rivulet leading into it from the Lake Traful, and, from this lake
to the west, by another small stream leading into it, and to the
west, by the line of the great Cordillera, separating this national
territory from a part of the Republic of Chile.
This tract of land extends over an area of 109,703 square
kilometres.
Its close proximity to Chile, induced Chilian mining adven-
turers and others to visit it, and they circulated various reports
referring to the existence of rich auriferous deposits, which
led to clandestine mining, but it is not known how long this
part of the Republic was subjected to these incursions, or how
much gold was extracted and taken to Chile. However, this
occurred before the tract of land was constituted a National
Territory, but has continued, more or less, since it was legally
occupied by Argentine authorities.
326 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Various voyagers, for they could not be denominated explo-
rers, and engineers have visited this territory on various occa-
sions; but their investigations, had no permanent beneficial
result. In more recent years, Messrs. Gilderdale and Hall
explored the auriferous lands of Mayal Mahuida, and they
considered that the gold existed in a sufficient quantity to pay
for a formal exploitation and, consequently, applications were
made to the then National Department of Mines and Geology
for concessions of mines and, after due investigations had
been made, the writer ordered the concessions to be made
according to the regulations of the Mining Code of laws.
The Mayal Mahuida mining company was then established,
and an Engineer was obtained from London to examine and
report upon the gold mines, which be did in a favourable
manner.
These gold mines were demarked and possession given by
one of the departmental Engineers, Mr. Fabrega Cuello, in
1891.
The administration and management of the gold mines fell
into the hands of an English manager, but the plan of mining
adopted was inadequate.
The usual practice of seeking a low level place from which
a drainage channel could have been made and continued to
the bed-rock to drain off the water, and give other facilities for
working, was neglected, and the curious and impracticable
mode of making isolated excavations in the auriferous camp,
n which water and large boulders existed, impeded proper
mining operations, was adopted. The result was that the com-
pany abandoned the mines because, under bad management,
they could not be made to yield any profit. One of the
shareholders, Mr. Hall, a North American mining pioneer,
seemed to have resided in this part of Neuquen, and when
the company collapsed, he continued to work some of the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 327
more accessible auriferous deposits, and procured a living
until he was murdered by a band of ruffian some two years
since.
The first mine registered in the books of the National Offices
of mines and geology was that solicited by Don Tomas Boba-
dilla in 1886, for copper and silver mineral said to exist in a
place called Sierra Esmeralda.
Deposits of coal are known to exist in various parts of the
territory, and some of these have attracted much attention.
Various Engineers have examined them with a view of deter-
mining the commercial value of the coal: but the opinions
are very conflicting in regard to the quantity which may be
obtained.
The coal is, however, of an excellent quality, as may be
seen from the following analysis.
N.° 1 N.° 2
Fixed carbon .... 53'QO % 50*18 °/0
Volatile matter. . . . 33'50 " 35'42 "
Ash 3-55 " 10-65 "
Water 9'05 " 3 75 "
Sulphur traces " traces
100-00 100-00
Coke 57-48% 61'13°/0
Contained ash . 6'26 " 17*30 "
Calorific force. . . . 4'570 4'636
The above analysis were made by Doctor J. J. Kyle, and
he also discovered that the ash contained vanadic acid; but
not in such a large quantity as that found in the coal of San
Rafael (province of Mendoza).
The Neuquen coal contains, according to a determination of
Doctor Kyle, 3'5 °/0 of vanadic acid. The average percentage
328 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
of the ash, as determined in the above analysis is 6-17; and the
weight of acid, taken at the average per cent, would amount to
5-30 pounds; and this calculated according to the market
value would, therefore, give a value of £ 4. 12. Q. for the acid
contained in the ash.
The writer exhibited large samples of this coal at the Exhi-
bition of Chicago in 18Q3, and the expert member of the jury
of awards named to examine them considered that the coal
possessed great commercial value, not only for its quality and
general use, but, also, for the vanadic acid which it contained
and, consequently, recommended that a premium should be
granted for the coal.
A premium of the highest grade was also awarded to Doc-
tor Kyle for his important scientific discovery in reference to
the vanadic acid.
In the general official collections of minerals which the
writer made for the San Louis Exhibition, large samples of
the same coal have been included.
Various petitions have been made from time to time for
coal concessions in Neuquen; but hitherto no formal exploita-
tion has been entered upon. This is much to be regretted, for,
although it may not be transported to Buenos Aires to com-
pete with foreign coal, still it could be exploited and used in
establishments of fundition for the reduction of copper and
other minerals existing in this territory.
We shall again have occasion to refer to this subject in the
special chapter which we propose to write upon the general
coal question of this Republic.
Various galena veins have been discovered in the district
called Campana Mahuida and concessions for the exploitation
of these argentiferous lead veins were obtained by Messrs.
Schmidt and Company. The Departamental Engineer set out
the limits of 7 mines, and gave possession of them in August
1891.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 32Q
The particulars of the galena mines are as follows.
"3
oJ d
•°.-
£'5
— ~
Thickness of the
richest part of
the mineral veins
in metres
Total thickness
of the
mineral veins in
metres
Magnetic
direction of
veins
Inclination of
veins
Lead
%
Silver
%
1
0-20 to 0-15
0-40 to 1-20
N.10° W.
85° South
65
7-75
2
0-02 " 0-05:0-70 " 0-80
" 8- "
84 "
60
2-62
3
0-15 "0-090-55 "0-80
" 13-23 "
82 North
62
3-22
4
0-10 "0-450-95 " 1-25
" 13-23 "
78 South! 45
3-29
5
O'lO " 0-35 0-30 " 0-50
" 7-10 "
80 North
67
1-22
6
O'Ol "0-03080 " 1-00
" 7-0 "
78 "
30
2-84
7
0-15 "0-25
0-80 " 1-00
" 17-0 "
78 ".
20
1-86
8 0-20 " 0-30
0-45 " 0-50
S. 3-15 "
60 "
70
6-03
9 0-06 " 0-15
0-30 " 0-45
" 14-0 "
76 "
80
038
It will be observed that the lead ore contains a large quan-
tity of silver, and if it were distributed equally through the
galena veins, and all the other conditions were favourable, a
benefit should have been obtained from a proper exploitation
of the mines and reduction of the mineral in furnaces of
modern style.
These mines are situated at about 3 days journey from Chi-
le, consequently, a ready market could have been found for
the produce. Messrs. Schmidt and Company worked these
mines for a considerable time with the intention of exporting
the crude mineral, but this plan of working produced no
benefit.
The company still hold possession of the mines.
Various petitions for copper concessions have been
received in the National Government Offices of Mines and
Geology, but, although the assays show that the yield of
copper is sufficiently high to justify an energetic exploitation,
still, for some reason or another, the legal processes for ob-
taining concessions were not carried out. Mines of silver also
exist in this region.
330
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
There have been received no less than 21 1 petitions for gold
mines, and of these 16 have been granted and legal possession
given.
Recently a Chilian Company was formed to procure con-
cessions of gold mines for the apparent object of exploiting
them, but it is not known to what extent workings have been
placed in them.
No less than 40 applications for coal mines have been made
some of which have been favourably considered, and are now
being demarked; but whether they will be exploited in a proper
manner and upon a large scale cannot be stated.
Application has been made for 2 mines of rock salt and 6
for petroleum concessions. The last named have been granted
and are now being demarked.
A railway has been projected to pass through this remote
territory, and no doubt this has incited interested parties to
search for and obtain concessions of mines.
The National Government Office of Mines and Geology has
received no less than 3Q2 mining applications, 112 of which
were for permission to explore defined mining localities, and
the rest for concessions of mines. Of the latter 25 have been
granted.
When proper communication has been made to this terri-
tory, and a better system of transport provided, no doubt the
mineral riches which have been proved to exist, will be deve-
loped in no small degree.
The writer, therefore, believes that this tertitory will have a
great mining future. The attention of capitalists and other
parties interested in discovering a legitimate field for the
expenditure of capital, should be directed to this very rich
National Territory.
CHAPTER XIX
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of
Rio Negro
This large tract of land is situated between the National ter-
ritories of Pampa Central, Neuquen, and the northern part of
that of Chubut. Part of its eastern limits abuts against the
southern part of the province of Buenos Aires, to the promon-
tory of Main, on the Atlantic coast, and then follows the coast
line to the eastern extremity of the northern boundary line* of
the National territory of Chubut.
The western part of the National Territory of Rio Negro pro-
jects westward to the line dividing it from part of the Republic
of Chile. The part to the west of the 71st. degree of longitude
is mountainous consisting of broken ground. In the middle
part of the western projection of land, is situated the beautiful
lake Nahuel Huapi which extends in length for a distance of
at least, 10 leagues.
To the east of the degrees of longitude indicated, various
isolated mountains exist which are very interesting from a
mining point of view.
The lake mentioned may be more properly considered as
332 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
an inland sea, and the scenery surrounding it is the most beau-
tiful to be found in the world.
The importance of this district has been graphically descri-
bed by Doctor Federico Cibils, the Director General of the
Department of National Industries.
The Rio Negro Territory extends over an area of 196,6Q5
square kilometres, and is exceedingly important, possessing,
as it does, two of the largest rivers in the Republic i. e., the
Limay between it and the National territory of Neuquen, as
far as its junction with the river Colorado, situated a little to the
east of the 68th. degree of longitude, at which point the other
i. e., Rio Negro commences and passes through this territory
to the eastern coast at point Main.
This territory has not been scientifically and practically exa-
mined for minerals, and the few persons who have attempted
it, could not devote sufficient time or elements for such ob-
jects.
Doctor Francisco P. Moreno, however, did more than any
other person to make known the importance of this territory
as is proved by his valuable publications.
No doubt the mountain regions of this territory are rich in
mineral deposits, in fact we have examined large samples of
pyrites of copper, and galena, obtained from the lake Nahuel
Huapi, which contained a high percentage of metal.
In all the valleys existing between the mountains, and in the
various streams, gold has been discovered and there are places
surrounding ohe Lake Nahuel Huapi, where it has been dis-
covered in considerable quantities.
A few days since, a gentleman exhibited to the writer seve-
ral ounces of gold which came from this neighbourhood; but
no formal exploitation or explorations had been made.
Doubtless, it is one of the most interesting and important dis-
tricts in the Republic, and if properly organised explorations
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 333
were to be carried out in the mountain regions, west of the
68th. degree of longitude, no doubt many mines of various
kinds would be discovered.
We are already aware that coal, salt, iron and marble, as,
also, copper, galena, and gold have been discovered, but in
the remote regions where the greatest abundance of mineral
may be expected to exist, there does not exist quick and cheap
modes of transport, consequently the same amount of atten-
tion has not been given to these regions as to others of the
Republic.
The National Government Office of Mines has received 35
petitions for concessions of salt, coal, iron and limestone. For
the exploitation of the latter a small establishment has been
erected.
When, however, the projected railway, southwards, is com-
pleted, mining will undoubtedly have a very different aspect
in this territory.
CHAPTER XX
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Chubut
This territory is bounded to the north by the southern limits
of the territory of Rio Negro; to the south by the northern
boundary line of the national territory of Santa Cruz; to the west
by the line dividing it from the Chilian Republic, and to the
east by the Atlantic Ocean. It extends over an area of 242,03Q
square kilometres.
Series of low mountains are dotted over a considerable part
of this territory, between which there are extensive plains or
camps. These mountain ranges have never been visited offi-
cially, consequently it is impossible to say what mineral riches
may be inclosed in them.
However, in several of these, auriferous quartz veins occur,
and these have been tested upon a small scale.
For many years past, auriferous sands have been worked
and a certain produce of gold reported. One or two of the
former governors of the territory made some explorations into
the interior, and their indications, especially those of Colo-
nel Fontana, led to some practical experiments.
Two or three expeditions were made by the Welsh colonists
336
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
to a place far in the interior and upon rivers which they denomi-
nated Teca, Corcovado, Sagmata, Corrintos and others, and
mining was carried on to a sufficient extent to prove that their
rights should be protected as first legal discoverers. Delega-
tes were, therefore, sent to Buenos Aires and their applications,
after study, were finally granted and the mines demarked by
one of the Departmental Engineers in 1893, who presented
plans and a techincal report in which every particular was de-
tailed.
A large number of samples were extracted from the diffe-
rent auriferous mines demarked, and these samples were as-
sayed in a very careful manner, with a view of determining, as
close as possible, the value and productive qualities of the
mines.
An average of the whole of these assays gave 3*75 ounces
of gold to every 72 cubic metres, or at the rate of 0'0534 of an
ounce per cubic metre.
Considering, however, that the samples extracted were com-
paratively small, and obtained by the most primitive methods
it is highly probable that if the auriferous sand had been trea-
ted by a good modern system and upon a large scale, a much
larger produce per cubic metre would have resulted.
In the Teca district, there were granted 75 concessions of
auriferous mines, and in the Corcovado river 55, all of which
were demarked.
The Chubut miners, holding the mining concessions in the
Teca district, commissioned a deligate to proceed to London
to negociate with a syndicate for the exploitation of the mines,
and a small syndicate was formed with a moderate capital to
investigate the value of the properties before establishing a
strong company.
Some time elapsed before the London syndicate had arran-
ged to send out a mining expert and after his arrival, it was
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 337
found that the winter season and a heavy fall of snow, preven-
ted him from carrying out any practical explorations, such as
were necessary to determine the commercial value of the pro-
perties belonging to the syndicate, and, under such circums-
tances, it is impossible to conceive what the nature of his report
could be.
By this time it would appear that the small resources provi-
ded by the syndicate for the use of the London offices and the
intended exploration were exhausted, and the Directors be-
coming discouraged the whole affair was abandoned and the
Chubut miners rights lost, the auriferous lands returning to the
state.
The River Corrintos Gold Mining Company
This company was formed in 1894 by Mr. A. K. Von Heyk-
ing, for the object of purchasing and exploiting 14 auriferous
sand deposits. The capital subscribed amounted to 75,000
gold dollars.
As the rio Corrintos has a sufficient fall and velocity, it was
intended to introduce the hydraulic system, and as the yield
was determined to be at the rate of 25 gold cents per cubic
metre, it was believed that a good benefit would accrue to the
company.
In order to carry on a system of mining in a proper manner,
an expert hydraulic miner was engaged in the United States of
North America, and to this miner, together with an administra-
tor, was confided the management of the concern.
Mr. Heyking, the principal shareholder and Director of the
company, informed the writer that the American expert by his
curious manner of proceedings soon involved the company in
difficulties and these were augmented by the death of the ad-
338 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
ministrator and confidential agent at the mines. Soon after this
sad occurrence, two of the Directors and an expert mining
Engineer visited the gold placers and determined that the pro-
perties extended over an area of 4,400,000 square metres, con-
taining 100,000,000 cubic metres of alluvial ground, capable
of yielding sufficient gold to justify a good exploitation.
Upon the report of the Directors and Expert Engineer, the
capital of the company was augmented to 150,000 dollars
gold, but it seems that the company became involved in a
manner, which appears, according to the statement of Mr.
Heyking, to have brought about its dissolution and, conse-
quently, the mines were abandoned.
From all the information which can be gleaned upon this
subject, it appears that the mines under discussion would
yield a sufficient profit supposing that a good hydraulic sys-
tem of mining were to be introduced with sufficient capital
to install the works and for a three months development. At
the end of that period it is estimated that sufficient gold would
be extracted to continue the works, but all this implies good
and honourable administration, without which, no mining
scheme can succeed, no matter how rich the mines may be.
It is known to expert mining men, that, in auriferous depo-
sits such as those we have described, the principal part of the
gold is deposited upon the bed rock, in the crevices and
hollows, but in the explorations undertaken the bed rock was
not reached; consequently, the yield of gold per cubic metre
would in all probability be much greater than that which was
estimated on a surface trial of the superficial workings.
The engineer of the Department of mines sent to demark
these mines, presented various samples of mineral which he
extracted from veins in the higher parts of the districts, and an
analysis of some of these gave the following result.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 339
Copper 25-50000 °/0
Gold O'OOIOO "
Silver 0'00074 "
In the report presented, no mention was made of the
thickness of the mineral veins; but there is the following
statement.
"In the mine "Ess Mostyn". \ found that the quartz vein
was impregnated with silicate and carbonate of copper, and a
sample taken by myself gave the results above cited."
The yield of gold would appear to be at the rate of 0'35 of
an ounce per ton. If, therefore, an abundance of ore of this
quality existed, and all the surrounding circumstances were
favourable, a profit would result from an exploitation if
carried on upon a large scale.
The Direction of the then Department of Mines and Geo-
logy received solicitudes for the following mines and permits
of exploration.
Concessions
Solicitudes granted
Salt 59 11
Gold 163 157
Galena ....
State Quarries. .
Explorations . .
432 168
Recently, a syndicate has been formed to obtain the conces-
sions of the gold mines existing in this territory, and it is to
be hoped that on this occasion the workings will be carried
on in a more practical manner, so that benefit may be realized
from the capital to be invested in this mining undertaking.
340
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Salt Company of Peninsula Valdez
This peninsula is situated on the Atlantic coast and is joined
to the main land by a narrow neck of land which lies bet-
ween the Puerto San Jose and Golfo Nuevo.
Two saline lakes were known to exist in this locality for a
long time past, and these have been divided into various
concessions which have recently been acquired by Mr.
Piaggio.
The water of the lakes is highly charged with salt, and in
the dry season the evaporation of the water near to the
margin of the lakes, leaves a large quantity of salt of excellent
quality.
A railway has been constructed from the coast to the lakes
in question and active workings are being carried on.
CHAPTER XXI
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of
Santa Cruz
This tract of land is situated between the southern boundary
of the National Territory of Chubut, and the northern limits of
Tierra del Fuego: to the west the Republic of Chile: its eastern
limits being defined by the Atlantic Ocean. It extends over an
area of 282,750 square kilometres.
It cannot be considered a very mountainous territory like
some of those situated further north — Neuquen, for example-
still there are a series of low mountain ranges distributed in an
isolated manner.
A geographical description of this territory, as also of the
whole of the Republic, is to be found in the excellent works of
Doctor Latzina, Director General of the National Statistic De-
partment.
Two great rivers pass through the territory and various lakes
exist in it.
The mountain regions have never been properly explored
and, consequently, the mineral wealth contained in them is
unknown. However, various samples of copper and other
342 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
minerals have been presented to the writer, from which one
may infer that important veins of copper ore exist in this
territory.
Many samples of coal have also been presented from time
to time, but these evidently did not belong to the great car-
boniferous period. Many of the samples could only be classed
as lignite and bituminous schist.
However, it is likely that in this region coal deposits of a
more recent formation may be found, and studies should be
conducted there under the orders and directions of a com-
petent mining engineer of great experience.
Gold mining commenced along the coast, and in the small
streams coming from the Andes, as early as 1867, and in 1885,
public attention was directed to the auriferous sand deposits
along the coast, which were reported to be of great importan-
ce. A certain government engineer, of that period, praised up
these auriferous deposits to the skies, and several important
persons of Buenos Aires formed a company for the exploitation
of El Dorado; but the mining operations only ended in the
expenditure of the capital. Since that period, several persons
have carried on mining operations, at intervals, upon a small
scale up to the present time.
The gold is found in the black sand which is left upon the
beach after the retiring of the waves and, consequently, is of
constant occurrence.
The writer has not sufficient time at his disposal to enter
into a lengthened history of these gold washings, but a com-
plete history of them will be found [in his larger works pub-
lished in French and Spanish in 188Q.
The concessions asked for and registered in the books of
the National offices of mines and Geology, are as follows.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
343
Gold mines .
Salt. . . .
Coal . . .
Explorations .
Applica-
tions
11
20
1
4
36
Concessions
granted
6
14
20
The principal gold washings are situated in the neighbour-
hood of Cape Virgins.
The mines of salt are considered to be of great commercial
importance and the owners Messrs Parmegiani and Company
intend to exploit them on a large scale.
CHAPTER XXII
Mines and Mining in the National Territory of
Tierra del Fuego
This tract of land forms the southern extremity of the Repu-
blic, and its western boundary is determined by a line com-
mencing at a point on the southern side of the straits of Magel-
lan, called Espintu Santo, and then runs directly west to a
point on the northern branch of the Beagle Channel.
Its southern limits are determined by the northern coast line
of the Beagle Channel and the coast line of the southern ocean
which surrounds its eastern and north-eastern parts up to the
Cape of Espiritu Santo.
It extends over an area of 21,4Q9 square kilometres, and is,
therefore, the smallest of the National Territories, due to a
claim set up by Chile, to which Republic the Argentine Go-
vernment ceded a large part of the territory.
This National territory has not been explored in all its parts,
so that it is impossible to determine, at present, whether it
contains much mineral riches or not. However, the writer has
examined various samples of minerals obtained from the
interior.
346 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Gold washings were carried on at various points along the
coast of Tierra del Fuego previous to 1880, but these opera-
tions were effected in a clandestine manner, until the late,
much to be lamented Don Julio Popper, a Rumanian Engineer,
made a practical exploration in this region of wind and
tempests. He satisfied himself that gold exist in sufficient
quantity to permit of the expenditure of a modest capital, and
upon his report a capital was formed in Buenos Aires. A con-
siderable quantity of gold was extracted, and a bar of 11 kilos
was exhibited by the writer at the Paris Exhibition in 188Q.
For some reasons, not explained, this company ceased to
exist, and Mr. Popper took over the mines and establishmen
on his own account continuing the exploitation until 1893,
when he suddenly died in Buenos Aires.
During the time he was occupied in mining operations, he
is said to have experienced a great deal of annoyance from the
then governors of the territory, although they had no legal
authority to interfere in mining matters.
Since the death of this worthy scientific and learned prac-
tical mining pioneer, the gold washings have passed into
other hands, and only a few miners are now scattered about
washing the black sand thrown upon the coast after each
tempest.
When the mining Engineer of the National Government Of-
fice of Mines was commissioned to visit the Bay of Sloggett,
for the purpose of determining if a reported deposit of coal
had real commercial value, he found 25 men employed in ex-
tracting the gold from the iron sand deposits.
These men, however, did not possess any legals rights, but
had taken advantage of a certain prevision of the mining code
which authorizes the exploitation of such gold deposits.
In chapter XIII of the large work of the writer, published in
188Q, a complete history is given of the places where gold has
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 347
been found on the coast of this territory, as also a long discus-
sion upon the probable source of the gold and other geologi-
cal and philosoph cal questions of great interest, to which
publication the reader is referred.
Some few years since, a North American endeavourred to
dredge the sands supposed to contain gold, but he was obli-
ged to give up the undertaking on account of the furious seas.
There exist upon the mining register of the Offices of Mines
the following concessions and permits for explorations:
Concessions
Concessions
solicited
granted
Gold
, ... 82
16
Coal
.12
12
Petroleum .
... 1
Peat
... 1
Manganese
8
Explorations 44
Mineral water . 1
149 28
Sixteen of the gold concessions have been taken up on the
coast of San Sebastian, where there is supposed to be a fixed
establishment for the extraction of the gold.
When we treat of the geology of the Republic in a separate
chapter, we shall refer in a particular manner to the subject of
gold deposits and their causes, as well as the places where old
river beds containing the gold may probably be found.
For a long time past, it was known that lignite existed along
the coast of this territory and it was strongly represented to the
National Government that this locality offerred every facility
for the extraction of a large quantity of coal for the Argentine
Navy in case of emergency. It was, therefore, considered ne-
cessary to determine this question, and, consequently, the first
348
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Engineer of the Department of Mines and Geology, Mr. Car-
los A. Lynes Hoskold, was commissioned by the then Minister
of War, General Levalle, in 18Q8, to proceed to the Sloggett
Bay, situated on the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, to
make a scientific study and report upon the coal deposits, but
he only found several thin veins with large pieces of carboni-
zed trees, but no valuable deposit existed.
Three years previous, or in 18Q3, the writer exhibited some
of the purest samples of the carbonized trees at the Chicago
exhibition, with an analysis made by Doctor Kyle, which was
as follows:
Fixed carbon 42'44°/0
Volatile matter 40'72
Ash 0-84
Water . IG'OO
100-00
The member of the Jury, a commissioner for the Republic
of Venezuela, was appointed to examine the samples alluded
to, and he stated that he had never examined samples of ligni-
te so pure. These samples were however obtained by the then
Governor of the territory of Tierra del Fuego, from some other
deposit along the coast but not from Sloggett Bay.
Mr. C. Hoskold, before referred to, informed the govern-
ment that the lignite of Sloggett Bay possessed no value for the
purpose intended. Afterwards, however, several tons were
tested in a torpedo boat and was proved to be useless for na-
vigation purposes.
The Engineer commissioned to examine this question re-
ported that enormous quantities of excellent peat exists on the
coast which, in his opinion may prove of commercial value.
CHAPTER XXIII
Metallurgy in the Republic
In the larger work of the writer, published in 1889, an
extensive discussion was introduced in the chapter treating
upon the metallurgical processess employed in the older min-
ing countries, giving special prominence to the newest and
most economical modes of applying electricity in the reduc-
tion of crude ores to a regulus and metallic state; describing
also the great advantages offerred by electrolisis in the sepa-
ration of one kind of metal from another; and although a
considerable amount of time has elapsed, during which
period the processes referred to have been much simplified
and improved, still, it is to be regretted that not even the
simplest and least expensive electrical process has been intro-
duced for the reduction of the minerals of this country. This
state of things is due to a variety of causes which, at present,
are not necessary, prudent or useful to enumerate; but in the
opinion of the writer, the time is fast approaching when the
importance of treating crude mineral by electricity will be
fully recognised and adopted.
Such a plant as may be required to carry out a simple
350 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
electrical process is not a costly matter; but a complete esta-
blishment for the electrolitie process would be, and could not
be introduced into the country unless a constant supply of
metallic produce from various establishments of fundition
could be guaranteed over a series of years.
It would have no useful purpose to discuss the metallurgi-
cal processes of the ancients, nor that carried out by the
Indians, who once possessed the richest mines in South Ame-
rica, we shall, therefore, content ourselves in speaking of the
processes adopted in recent times in this country.
The reverbatory furnace, so much employed in Europe,
has been adopted in the Republic with excellent results and
when well constructed are durable: also, when the refractory
lining is worn out, the repairs are easily made, and in outly-
ing districts their use is comparatively cheap and effective:
besides no great amount of skill is required to enable persons
to reduce ores in this class of furnace.
One of the principal establishments employing reverbatory
furnaces is situated at Tilimuque, near to Chilecito or Villa
Argentina, in the province of La Rioja, and when the mineral
had to be reduced the copper ores were transported from the
mines to the establishment, and there selected, prepared, and
mixed in such a proportion as would assay from 12 to 15 °/0 of
copper, the form in which the mineral could be best calcined
and treated.
After calcination, the mineral is placed in the heated furna-
ces and the temperature raised, and when as much of the
impurities as possible have been reduced to a liquid condition,
it is run off as slag, and afterwards, the molten mineral passes
out by an independent orifice.
If this process has been properly carried out, the resulting
regulus may contain from 25 to 30 % of copper. The regulus
is now broken into convenient pieces, placed upon a pile of
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 351
wood and calcined, after which it is returned to the furnace a
second time and treated as in the first operation. The result-
ing regulus is still more concentrated and may contain 45 to
50°/0of copper. When the base elements, or impurities, are
very refractory, the regulus may be again calcined and submit-
ted to a third reduction in the furnace, and the resulting
regulus would assay from 60 to 65 °/0 of copper.
If the crude copper ores are mixed to yield 20 °/0, then the
proportion of crude ore to the regulus produced, would be
3'23 to 1; but if it were to be no higher than 15 °/0, then the
proportion would be 4*36 to 1.
This process has been carried out to great perfection at the
establishment "EL Progreso", at Tilimuque, the property of
Mr. William A. Treloar, the gentleman referred to in a former
chapter, and in that establishment he has reduced the copper
ores obtained from his "UpUlungos" mine for many years
with great sucess. This mine has passed into other hands,
but Mr. Treloar still possesses the Tilimuque establishment.
The following figures show some of the results obtained
from the ores smelted in this establishment.
From 60 to 65 °/0 of copper
" 250*880 " 268*80 ounces of silver per ton
5-376 " 6-72 " " gold " "
However, the yield of silver and gold vary from the above
assay.
In this Republic, the native miners have the custom of ex-
pressing the weight of minerals and metals by what they term
the cajon, which is variable in different parts, but is generally
taken to mean 50 Spanish quintals, or 5000 English pounds,
or 2-232 tons. The silver produced was also sold by the
marco, equal to 8 english ounces, 2 marcos being equal to 16
ounces avoirdupois.
352 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
At the Tilimuque establishment, there were two reverbatory
furnaces, each of which is capable of reducing 4 cajones of
ore, 200 quintals of 20,000 pounds. The quantity of wood
required to reduce that weight of ore would amount to 228
quintals or 22,800 pounds.
Then -f^p = 1'14, or at the rate of 1-14 quintals of wood
for 1 of regulus.
Experience shows that 10,000 pounds of mineral can be
calcined in 24 hours by the expenditure or consumption of
6500. Then for the ratio we have -~~--= 1'538.
As it is important to show the produce of the mine "Upu-
lungos", and its variations as being one of the principal mines
and forms a good guide in determining the productive quali-
ties of all the others in the same district, the following assay
has been selected, and represents the average obtained from
the treatment of a large parcel of ore.
Copper . . 15 %
Silver. . . 66'2323 j ^
P . , i-Tjon Dunces Per t°n °' crude mineral.
However, as previously indicated, the produce of crude ore
varies, and for this reason large parcels of minerals have
yielded as much as 71*08 ounces of silver and 1'28 ounces of
gold per ton.
On one occasion, copper ores were extracted from the
"Upulungos" yielding at the rate of 1'4 to 1'62 ounces of gold
per ton, and the regulus reduced from it, at the rate of 4'25
to 1, yielded 5'95 to 6*78 ounces of gold per ton of regulus.
The system, as carried out in this establishment, may be
taken as typical of all the others of the same class in the pro-
vince of La Rioja. Considering, therefore, that it is not proba-
ble that the cost of labour and materials have changed to any
considerable extent from the normal since the period to which
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 353
we are referring, the cost of carrying on the operations at this
establishment will be given as it was formerly.
However, the form may be changed, introducing such ele-
ments as would represent any alterations that could have
arisen in costs and values.
The following estimate is given as representing the results
formerly obtained.
Total cost of delivering 100 pounds of regulus
in the English market 11*21 dollars
Average price obtained upon the sale of 100 Ibs.
of regulus 18'50
Net benefit obtained upon the sale of 100 Ibs.
of regulus in England ....'... 7'2Q "
Then for the percentaje, or gain, as exhibited above, we have
7-29
- = 65-03 %.
11-21
As formerly was the case with all the mines of copper in
the Mejicana district, the "Upulungos" was not exploited
according to the best system of mining as it exists to day,
consequently, the cost of exploitation, transport and other
incidentals, were excessive.
Sometime since, the writer made an estimate of the cost of
production, which at that time appeared to him to be within
the approximate limits of what could be realised in the future,
assuming that the sale price would have no great alteration
and that the long promised railway to Villa Argentina would
be made.
The estimate was as follows.
354
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Cost of mineral 3'20 dollars
Cost of wood for all the operations of founding
and calcining, etc 0*48 "
Cost of labour and management T70 "
Cost of transporting 100 pounds of regulus to
Cordoba 1'40
Cost of transporting 100 pounds of regulus to
England 3'22 "
Total cost of 100 pounds of regulas in England. lO'OO "
Market price according to the Tilimuque scale . 18*00 "
Probable profit to be derived upon the sale of
100 pounds of regulus in England
8-00
The following table, N.° 1, is exceedingly important as
exhibiting the results which have been achieved in the esta-
blishment at Tilimuque.
N.° 1
Brute weight in
kilos
Net weight in
kilos
ASSAYS MADE IN TILIMUQUE
Gold, ounces per
ton
Silver, ounces per
ton
Copper
%
8*496
8-280
3-5812
248-30
66-0
9-649
10-422
9-275
10-146
6-5000
221-70
62-0
16-183
15-555
5*0166
205-22
58-5
14-448
14-404
4-9250
195-33
59-0
1-300
1-221
4-2562
183-74
54-0
13-489
12-993
5-1500
226-87
60-4
11-598
11-262
3-9604
253-27
55-0
10-736
4-308
10-566
4-190
4-0125
240-20
53-6
8-153
7-933
5-2312
270-60
63-0
5-882
9-208
5-790
0-064
4-3000
289-60
57-0
10-259
5-773
10-059
4-675
3-5812
296-71
61-5
7-711
7-474
3-5500
270-90
60-0
143.877
54-0643
2910-44
710-0
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
355
From the above data we deduce that the average was as
follows.
Copper .... 59-16 °/
Silver . . 242'53
Gold
4.51
Ounces per ton.
Table N.° 2, exhibits the weight of regulus sold in Eng-
land, as, also, the assays made there and the net price derived
from its sale.
N.° 2
a
3
Assays made in England
I to
l=|
la
ccb/J
"o
V
- — -»— ^. —
-=-E
Total
M'-Q^
3 .2
., , -Q
O «
Ounces
of gold
Ounces
of silver
fc£
C.U
o.
"S tn
oj"5
aS"
ii
value in
£ sterling
II"
nil
0
per ton
per ton
M **
'C c
> ^"^
>— •
IU
~v +***!
H
0.
a.
z.
8-0031
4-8000
247-00
65-0
96-6500
773-5000
5-3625
778-8625
39-3542
739-5083
9-1525
5-6000
227-73
62-37
91 3250
835-9500
6-9375
842-8875
42-6708
800-2167
9 8566
5-5000
230-10
62-43
93-6250
922-8333
5-3542
928-1875
47-1625
881-0250
15-1642
5-1000
207-50
68 97
83-4000
1264-7042
8-0958
1272-8000
60-2883
1204-5167
14-9973
4-0000
207-00
62-00
74-1250
1111-6750
7-0958
1119-7708
59-7958
1059-9750
12-6674
4-1000
274-00
58-25
100-2250
1269-5906
6-9375
1276-5292
59-2000
1217-3292
Total .
29-1000] 1393-33
370-51
539-3500
The average yield as demonstrated by the foregoing table
was at the rate of:
Copper 63'25 °/0
Silver 232' 12
Gold
4-85
ounces per ton.
The average selling price was at the rate of £ 89'81 per ton
of regulus.
The railway referred to, has now been constructed from the
Cordoba main trunk line to Villa Argentina, so that the old
rate of transport of, from l'40to 1'43 paper dollars per 100
pounds of regulus, will be reduced to a reasonable and much
lower rate.
356 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The aerial wire line for the transport of the minerals from
the mountain regions to the main railway line at Villa Argen-
tina, is now in progress, and will soon he completed, thus in-
troducing a more permanent and cheaper mode of transport
for the ores of the various mining districts of the Famatina
mountains.
Until the aerial line is put in motion, and some tons of mine-
ral transported by it, any estimate of cost would be premature,
but it will be considerably less than by pack mules; conse-
quently, the advantages to be realized will more than counter-
balance any augmentation in the value of labour and materials,
and a reduction in value of products which could occur, con-
sequently, under any normal conditions, there would always
exist a good margin of profit to the companies engaged in the
exploitation of the mines and reduction of the mineral to the
form of regulus or copper bottoms and bars.
There is evidence that such companies will introduce the
plan of founding or reducing the copper ore by means of Wa-
ter Jacket furnaces instead of by the ordinary reverbatory fur-
naces; and as the operations would be less costly by the former
than by the latter, a reduction in the production of regulus
would take place.
Furnaces of this class were, it is believed, first introduced in-
to the small establishment of fundition of San Miguel, situated
close to Villa Argentina, for Ihe reduction of silver ores, but
this establishment has been closed for some years.
In 1883, the late Mr. Fouert installed, on the behalf of a
French Company, an establishment for the reduction of silver
and other ores, near to the small village of Nonogasta, situated
at about 3 leagues to the South of Villa Argentina. The silver
mines belonging to this company were exploited for some
time and the ores from these, and those purchased from the mi-
ners were reduced in a Water Jacket furnace of 36 inches
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 357
diameter, and it is reported that from 1883 to 18Q4, the ores
reduced produced 23,500 kilos of silver.
Copper ores were also founded in this establishment, and
the usual type of regulus obtained. It is still a centre of action,
where the miners may sell their minerals at a fixed scale accor-
ding to the valuable contents of the ore. Two or more calcin-
ing furnaces exist in this establishment.
Not long since, another establishment, with a single Water
Jacket furnace, was installed called Santa Florentina, and si-
tuated in the opening of the mountains, at a short distance to
the west of Villa Argentina. The reduction furnace is acted by
Roots Blower, worked by a Pelton water wheel, the water
>eing led from a dam. The fuel employed is charcoal obtained
from Vichigasta. In this establishment there also exist open
calcination floors. It is reported that this establishment has
>assed from the hands of Mr. Jaime Cibils Buxareo the former
>wner to the Famatina Developing Company. Due probably
to this change the former owner of this establishment did not
supply any data referring to the assay value, or the quantity of
copper ores reduced by him.
After the late Mr. Fouert retired from the French Company,
he installed a very complete establishment for the reduction
)f ores, at a place called Corrales, which consisted of six cal-
cining furnaces and a Martin Siemens gas furnace.
The minerals were obtained from the Mejicana district.
The assay value of the regulus produced at this establish-
icnt was as follows:
Copper from 49'00 to 54'00 °/0
Silver 0*300 " 0*334 "
Gold 0-018 " 0-021 "
The capacity of this establishment permitted the treatment
of from 200 to 250 tons of regulus per annum, but the usual
358 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
difficulties of transport of the mineral by pack mules restricted
the out put of regulus to 150 tons per annum.
Not long after this establishment had been brought in to a
proper working condition, the Director, Mr. Fouert, suddenly
died, and the establishment was soon afterwards closed.
This was the first establishment in the country in which a
Martin Siemens gas furnace was introduced.
Mr. Victor Koch & C, also introduced a small establishment
at Polaico, consisting of two reverbatory and closed calcining
furnaces, where the copper ores from the company's mines
were reduced to regulus of the same percentage as that pro-
duced in the establishment of Tilimuque. It has been reported
that this establishment has been closed for the moment.
Reduction furnaces were also installed for the treatment of
minerals near to Vinchina, but there is no evidence to hand,
showing their present condition.
It is considered that the companies already formed, and
those now in formation for the exploitation of the copper
mines of the Mejicana and other districts, will extract a suffi-
cient quantity of minerals for several reduction establishments
and, consequently, all the evidence goes to prove that the
province of La Rioja is one of the principal mining centres of
the Republic.
Recently, the "Famatina Development Company, Limited"
has purchased the smelting works situated at Patyaco, some
35 kilometres from Chilecito, and in it have been founded
several parcels of copper ores obtained from their mines. The
following table N.° 3 represents ore founded from the "Upu-
lungos".
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
359
N.° 3
DATE
Tons
(metric)
Copper
Silver
Gold
1903
per cent
oz. dwt.
oz. dwt. gr.
Sept. 28
Oct. 23
53-410
3-000
4-66
4-0
13-14
12-15
0 9 19
1 1 13
Nov. 20
38-043
4-0
15-7
0 12 9
Dec. 4
24-424
5-4
13-14
0 11 2
" 18
2-252
5-6 15-13
0 16 8
" 18
6-182
5-6
15-13
0 16 8
1904
Jan. 8
8
4-289
5-303
5-5
5-5
20-17
20-11
0 12 9
0 12 9
Table N.° 4 shows the amount of mineral extracted from
the mine "Compania" from Oct. 1903 to Jan. 8, 1904, the rate
per cent of yield of copper, silver, and gold, and reduced to
regulus at the company's reduction works.
N.° 4
DATE
Tons
(metric)
Copper
Silver
Gold
1903
per cent
oz. dwt.
oz. dwt. gr.
Oct. 23
Nov. 20
Dec. 4
" 11
" 21
13-949
15-490
9-912
12-921
12-530
4-0
4-6
6-1
5-5
18 13
15 13
15 0
16 13
14 1
0 9 13
0 11 2
0 8 11
055
0 8 11
1904
Jan. 8
1-020
6-1
14 14
0 5 21
The table N.° 5 contains a detailed account of the ores
extracted from the mine "Placilla", with the corresponding
assay value of copper, silver and gold.
360
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 5
DATE
Tons
(metric)
Copper
Silver
Gold
1903
per cent
oz. dwt.
dwts. grs.
Sep. 28
Oct 9
13-220
12-960
3-02
2-2
24 13
31 12
16 8
16 8
" Q
13-660
4-09
55 17
13 1
" 9
17-812
3-65
52 2
16 8
" 23
6-325
2-2
25 9
18 22
" 23
5-103
2-3
37 11
5 5
Nov. 20
3-165
2-7
72 16
6 12
" 20
8-313
5-6
171 8
13 1
" 20
•255
2-8
71 4
5 21
Dec. 4
4-847
6-4
329 3
6 12
" 11
3-177
6-5
348 8
5 21
" 11
7-060
3-0
61 16
4 13
1904
Jan. 8
" 8
5-101
1-347
7-2
4-6
263 1
121 16
5 5
3 22
The copper ore extracted from a newly discovered lode,
called " White lode", is represented in the following Table
N.° 6 with the assay value of copper, silver and gold.
N.°6
DATE
Tons
(metric i
Copper
Silver
Gold
Sept.
1903
28
13240
Per cent
1-89
oz. dwt.
14 14
oz. dwt. gr.
0 16 8
Oct.
23
41-300
2-00
14 14
1 0 21
«
Nov.
23
20
17-289
14-741
2-9
3*6
14 1
26 2
1 2 5
1 6 3
U
20
17-360
3-8
24 16
0 19 14
Dec.
4
9-300
4-8
35 18
1 1 13
«
11
13-644
4-9
29 3
0 15 0-6
u
21
8-449
5-0
25 9
0 18 7
Ian.
1904
8.
1-207
5-0
21 17
1 6 3
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
361
The ore extracted from the well known mine "San Pedro"
by the new company is given in detail in Table N.° 7 toge-
ther with assay rate of copper, silver and gold.
N.°7
DATE
Tons
(metric)
Copper
Silver
Gold
1908
Per cent
oz. dwt.
oz. dwt. gr.
Sept.
28
29*663
14-49
2 2
0 9 10
Wf*»l
Oct.
9
22-320
13-54
2 3
093
it
23
6-139
14-6
2 12
074
it
23
8-825
12-2
1 19
0 5 21
Nov.
20
40-612
14'6
3 5
0 8 11
20
1-746
11-0
2 12
0 6 12
n
20
14-270
14-0
3 5
0 7 20
Dec.
16
6-581
16-9
3 12
093
«
11
22-544
17-3
3 12
0 9 19
(.
11
12-686
15-2
3 5
0 9 3-5
|<
11
1-895
31-8
2 19
1 0 6
.(
21
11-376
17-2
2 19
0 9 19
«
28
25-626
17-4
2 19
0 10 10
1904
Jan.
8.
7-789
18-3
2 19
0 11 18
j
ii
8.
16-892
13-9
••
2 19
0 8 11
The assay value of mineral extracted from the gold mines
in the Ophir district, has been given in another part of this
work; but recently, the new Famatina Development Company,
has extracted a few tons of ore, the details of which are given
in the following Table N.° 8.
362
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
N.° 8
DATE
Tons
(metric)
Copper
Silver
Gold
1903
Oct. 30
1-158
Per cent
5'5
oz. dwt.
8 16
dwt. gr.
7 20
" 30
1-025
4'2
7 10
5 5
Nov. 20
6-Q58
6'3
9 2
6 10
Dec. 11
1-873
5'7
8 16
5 21
1904
Ian. 8 .
2-542
6-7
10 17
5 5
The following mines also belong to the same company,
and general assays gave the following results.
N.°9
Copper
Silver
Gold
"Jesus Maria"
6-99
oz. dwt.
2 19
dwt. gr.
15 12
"Carmen N.° 2"
1-63
7 0
14 0
"Trinidad N.° 2"
8-36
7 0
1 9
The quantity of copper ore represented in the preceding ta-
bles was, according to report, obtained as the average contents
from the whole body of the lode during the years 1903 and
1904, and reduced in the establishment of the company to re-
gulus.
The data in the tables referred to above was obtained from
a published report of the company.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
363
PROVINCE OF CATAMARCA
Metallurgical Establishments
The most important establishment, of the old type, for the
reduction of copper ores in this province is that situated at
"Pilciau", at a distance of about 3 leagues in a south eastern
direction from the town of Fuerte de Andalgala, and, at the
time it was installed, it must be considered to be the most
complete and extensive one in the Republic.
It has been previously noted that the father of the present
Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo, first commenced to smelt cop-
per ores from the mines of Capillitas at an establishment
erected near to Santa Maria; but as that was not a conve-
nient situation, the present establishment was placed at Pilciau,
in 1860.
This establishment consists of 6 reducing furnaces, 2 refin-
ing furnaces and others for calcination operations, with other
necessary auxiliaries and buildings required for the workmen
and administration.
Processes Employed in This Establishment
1st. Calcination of the crude ore.
2d. Reduction of a portion of the crude ore to regulus, and
calcination of the same.
3d. Pulverization and calcination of half the regulus obtai-
ned from the first reduction.
4d. Refundition of a portion of the calcined regulus with a
part of that not calcined.
364
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
5th. Refining operation.
In order to calcine the mineral, it is placed in piles of
from 500 to 1000 quintals with intermediate layers of wood
which are fired at several points at the same time, and the
calcination is continued in this manner for from 3 to 5 weeks,
during which period the greater part of the volatile and
noxious elements, such as sulphur, antimony and arsenic
are eliminated. These piles of calcined mineral are then
opened, and the parts imperfectly calcined are placed in
smaller heaps upon other beds of wood to undergo a second
calcination.
At the time when the writer examined this reduction esta-
blishment, he found it to be too delicate a matter to inquire
into and obtain a detailed statement of the costs and quantities
consequently, in discussing this matter he is obliged to speak
in general terms.
The charge for the second reduction operation consisted of
the following class of elements.
1st. Calcined regulus . . 18 quintals
2d. Escoria 5
3d. Sand 6
4d. Regulus 21
50
However, the proportion of the above mixture varies accor
ding to the percentage of copper contained in the regulus.
Five similar charges were passed through the furnace in 24
hours, and each of these produced 1 to 1 J/2 bars of copper,
more or less pure, which would weigh three quintals, as
well as from 10 to 15 bars of regulus. The regulus obtained
from the second reduction, as described above, would assay
from 70 to 80 % of copper.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 365
During the reduction, or founding operation, the escoria
forms a colour between obscure blue and green and would
assay from 2 to 4°/0 of copper. The escoria is refounded
with a charge of crude mineral.
The copper bottoms obtained from the second reduction,
are again melted in quantities of from 25 to 45 quintals, with
a view of giving to the bars the form and weight most conve-
nient for transport.
The proportion of copper contained in the copper bars,
after the last reduction, would give from 90 to 91 °/0 of copper,
with from 10 to 15 ounces of gold, and from 200 to 300 ounces
of silver per ton.
From 36 to 40 °/0 of the regulus would form what is gene-
rally termed black copper, containing from 75 to 80 % of
metal. This regulus was obtained from the second re-
duction.
The refination is carried on in a special furnace of the same
construction as the others, except that it has apertures for the
entrance of the air.
The time occupied in the refination process is from 24 to
30 hours, and there would be produced from 26 to 30 bars
of copper weighing from 50 to 60 quintals. This refining
process produces metal assaying from 95 to 97 % of copper,
and from 90 to 115 ounces of silver per ton. The remains
consist principally of iron, zinc and sulphur.
On one occasion, 2201 quintals of common copper assayed
0-3754% of silver, and 0'00037 % of gold.
A parcel of bottoms weighing 798 quintals, yielded 0'6843°/0
of silver and 0'0447 °/0 of gold. Another large parcel assayed
95'2 °/0 of copper, with 0*4716 °/0 of silver and 0*0004 °/0
of gold.
Some parcels of regulus from a second reduction yielded
75 °/0 of copper, 0'304 % of silver and O'OOl °/0 of gold.
366
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The class of copper obtained in the form of bottoms yielded
at the rate of 18Q'58 ounces of silver and 12'005 ounces of
gold per ton. Others, however, in a purer condition assayed
at the rate of 1Q3'178 ounces of silver and 12-176 ounces of
gold per ton.
It was reported to the writer that for a period of Q years,
22,000 tons of mineral were transported from the mines of
Capillitas to the establishment of Pilciau, and that this quan-
tity produced 3,526 tons of ordinary copper and bottoms.
Unless it were permitted to inspect the books of the com-
pany, it would not be convenient to enter into the question of
costs and benefits realised; but no doubt it was sufficient to
repay the company a large percentage upon the annual capi-
tal employed.
The following table, N.° 1 exhibits some of the results
obtained at this establishment from the year 1872 until 1881,
and is important as a proof of the market price obtained for
the produce indicated in it.
N.° 1
o is i>
rt
.
ENGLISH WEIGHT
Copper
Excess in
Price of
a « " ^
B
i
I
1
52
£
%
silver and
copper
copper
§1.8*
TOTALS
H
0
Of
3
iu a>
1872
2,491
204
13
2
24
£87 9 0
£ 5 1 10
£ 92 10 10
1873
3,809
317
17
3
5
81 3 4
6 16 8
88 0 0
1874
2,197
181
14
3
20
81 7 8
6 13 11
88 1 7
1875
1,560
129
17
2
10
82 17 8
6 17 9
89 15 5
1876
1,870
155
14
1
8
76 15 7
6 15 0
83 10 7
1877
2,804
232
0
2
5
68 16 1
7 19 9
76 15 10
1878
2,918
240
5
3
21
61 5 10
643
67 10 1
1879
1,065
90
15
0
1
67 16 1
11 10 3
79 6 4
1880
1,421
120
17
2
6
95 1 12 to 96 1 12
111-11 to 154
66 5 6
11 13 1
77 18 7
1881
1,673
145
9
3
27
953/4 > 961/4
110 » 132-1
71 14 10
8 12 2
80 0 7
21,819
1,819
7
1
IT
Mean average in the 10 years.
Copper £ 75 0 7
Excess copper and silver. " 7 7 8 £ 82 8s 3d
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
367
The table N.° 2, also shows similtar results for another
class of copper.
N.° 2
ENGLISH
§ r*
E
2
WEIGHTS
BOTTOMS
Price of
n.tj — ^
^03
3 -5
TOTALS
a
B
o
^
E
O1
J
Copper
Gold
Silver
copper
P|f
1872
501
40
8
0
11
£89 6 7
£ 51 17 0
£141 5 7
1873
832
67
19
2
3
» 81 5 10
44 5 7
125 11 5
1874
544
44
15
3
20
. 80 17 2
46 10 0
127 7 2
1875
404
33
3
0
10
• 84 1 1
58 8 5
142 9 6
1876
408
32 19
0
21
• 7911 5
67 5 5
146 16 10
1877
689
56 6
3
19
»71 2 5
62 17 0
133 19 5
1878
659
52 16
1
24
>62 0 9
62 17 1
124 17 10
1879
249
21 11
2
24
. 69 18 6
141 16 8
211 15 2
1880
294
25
12
1
23
87 3/4 to 91 3/4
13-14 to 37-12
223-81/2-330.3
»70 8 9
115 0 0
185 8 9
1881
365
33
5
3
15
881/2 » 911/2
7-18 > 24-23
210 to 248-19
> 76 3 4
63 6 5
145 9 3
4,945
408 19
1
2
Mean average in the 10 years.
Copper £ 72 10 5
Excess in gold and silver . . " 64 17 4 £ 141 7s 9d
Mean average in the bars and Bottoms in 10 years.
Copper £ 75 6 1
Excess of gold silver and copper " 17 18 8 = Q3 4s Qd
The table N.° 3, shows similar data to that contained in
Table N.° 1, but from the years 1882 to 1886.
N.° 3
"
s
ENGLISH WEIGHT
Copper
Excess in
Price of
n _^ *-
5
a
c
o
Is
£
2
%
silver and
copper
copper
U O U d3
TOTALS
H
<J
Of
x "C fc
U a>
1882
2,130
188
14
2
20
591/2 to 96 1/4
105-8 to 117-12
£75 9 0
£690
£81 18 0
1883
630
53
9
3
20
96 1/4 » 97
96 » 106-13
» 65 14 0
» 1 21 '/t
> 66 8 6
1884
1,661
133
15
1
27
951/3 » 963/4
80 » 92 1/4
> 56 14 10
—
. 56 14 10
1885
1,602
137
17
2
18
94 3/4 » 96 3/4
741/2» 98
. 48 18 0
»030
> 49 1 0
1886
1,046
95
12
1
25
957/8 . 96 1/4
80 » 88-10
> 46 2 3
.025
.44 6 11
7,069
600
"Tb~
1
26
368 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Mean average in the 5 years.
Copper , . . £ 61 1 6
Excess copper and silver. . " 10 8 7 £ 7 10 1
The table N.° 4 exhibits similar elements as those contained
in Table N.° 2 for the 1882 to 1886.
ENGLISH
J-r lT U
e
WEIGHTS
BOTTOMS
Price of
Q "0 O >" D«
w «<*5S D.
N «i • a
3
O
£
B
J
Copper
Gold
Silver
copper
TOTALS
H
CJ
&
J
%
iu O «
1882
532
51
1
0
8
90 3/4 to 92 3/4
6-19 to 10-8
196-14 to 216.8
£8012 0
£45 7 0
£12519 0
1883
247
21
6
2
3
911/4 » 931/4
5-15 » 7-16
137-10 » 178-8
» 78 9 2
» 24 11 8
» 101 010
1884
378
30
9
0
18
913/4 » 923/4
7 7/8 » 8-19
137 » 171
» 63 12 8
» 34 9 7
» 98 1 0
1885
380
34
3
2
3
92 . 953/4
1-1 » 18-6
81 • 160
» 49 0 3
» 51 15 4
» 100 15 7
1886
192
19
11
2
20
93 » 94
10-11 » 15
142 » 159-5
» 48 5 1
» 53 14 3
» 101 19 1
1,720
156
n
~2
20
Mean average in the 5 years.
Copper £ 65 16 0
Excess silver and gold . " 42 15 9 £ 108 11s 10d
As previously noted, the preceding tables N.os 1, 2, 3 and
4 contain valuable data which may be utilized for a variety
of purposes.
In addition to this establishment, the newly formed Capillitas
Copper Company, Limited, is installing a new establishment
of fundition with high water jacket furnaces and electric
installation for giving motion to the machinery and the aerial
wire line for transporting the minerals, no doubt this will
form the most important mineral reduction works in this pro-
vince, and as the copper mines of this company are more
fully developed, other founding furnaces will be a necessary
addition.
The London Capillitas Copper Company is very fortunate
in securing the large forest of Algarrobo trees situated in the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC . 36Q
neighbourhood of Pilciau, the most important in the province,
as it is capable of supplying sufficient fuel for many years
to come.
Hydro-Metallurgy
Applicable for the reduction of the poor copper ores of this country
Within the last few years, various processes have been
invented and applied for the extraction of the metal contained
in low grade copper ores, other than by direct smelting, with
great success.
Some of these hydro-metallurgical processes have been
applied to copper ores containing no more than one half per
cent of metal, and a profit obtained.
It may be anticipated that in these days of electric speed,
any system for the treatment of minerals should have for its
basis, simplicity in its application, facile manipulation, and
cheapness in production, as elements of the greatest impor-
tance to the metallurgist and capitalist.
According, therefore, to the nature of the mineral contain-
ing copper, one of the many well known systems may be
adopted to suit the conditions and circumstances of the case.
The author is not writing an exhaustive technical work on
the comparative merits of the various processes in existence,
but only indicating, in a cursory manner, that a system of
operation could be applied to the poorer copper ores of
this country with the greatest advantage.
As previously indicated in one of the former chapters, there
exist all over the mining districts of this country a vast num-
ber of copper veins containing low grade copper ores,
ranging from 1 ' /2 up to 3 °/0 of copper, which evidently
could not be economically treated in water jacket smelters of
370 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
the best modern type, because the materials to be moved and
the expenses of transport, reduction, and all other incidentals,
would be too great; for example, to produce regulus which
should assay from 60 to 64 °/0 of copper, the rate preferred,
and best to an electrolytic reduction, or precipitation of the
various metals one from another, it would be necessary to
found 16 tons of crude ore at 4 °/0.
In some other countries, such as Germany, the copper lodes
are extremely thin and poor in quality, ranging from 4 to 5
inches in thickness, and yielding no more than from 2 to 5 %
of copper, but it is a historical fact that these copper veins
have been worked for many years, and their exploitation is
still continued.
The copper ores of Rio Tinto, Spain, have assayed from
1 ]/2 up to 2'70 °/0 of copper, and on account of the large
deposit of mineral and cheap leaching process for the extrac-
tion, great profit has been derived.
Although this process is cheap, it is not to be recommended
for the treatment of all classes of ores; besides it requires a
long time to carry it out.
The copper ores of Agordo, Italy, assaying from 1 to 2 °/0 of
metal, are treated in some such similar manner.
The poor copper ores of Stadtberg is treated with a solution
of sulphuric acid with considerable advantage.
The leaching process is carried out in Russia for the extrac-
tion of the metal from ores containing 3 °/0, wl^n good
results.
The process by ferrous chloride and hydrochloric acid,
acting upon copper ores of from 2 to 2 !/2 °/0 at Stadtberg^
in Westphalia, has given excellent results.
The Claudet process is carried on in England upon Spanish
ores containing copper and silver First, the ore is calcined
with common salt, dissolving out the chlorides with hot water,
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 371
precipitating the silver as iodide, and the copper with metallic
iron.
There are also the Henderson and other processes, all of
which possess advantages, and either one or the other can be
applied to most classes of copper ores.
In some of the processes, it is important to convert the
copper into the condition of sulphate, from which the metal
is easily extracted.
Some of the elements which retard, and are injurious to
some of the processes, consist of ferrous oxides, magnesia,
lime and manganese; but an analysis of the mineral to be
treated will decide all such questions.
Those Argentine copper ores which are not be treated by
concentrating machinery and so raised in percentage, could,
as before noted, be utilized to great advantage and benefit, by
one of the many Hydro-metallurgical processes now so largely
employed in other parts of the world.
In conclusion, it is, therefore, to be hoped, that some com-
pany or companies will take up this question, and prove, to
their advantage, that the low grade ores, now neglected, are
capable of yielding a good profit upon the capital invested
in the undertaking.
The writer regrets that this chapter does not contain so
much data as he originally intended, but the short time at his
disposal for the completion of the whole work was too
limited, and, for this reason, a long correspondence could
not be carried on with the various proprietors of mines and
establishments of fundition in order to obtain additional in-
formation.
CHAPTER XXIV
Notes Upon The Mining Laws of The Republic
In the absence of documentary evidence, it would be diffi-
cult, it not altogether impossible, to determine, in an absolute
manner, at what epoch and in what country mining laws
originated; but they could not have been introduced in those
countries where the ancient mines belonged to and were deve-
loped by the State, because second parties could not have
been interested, and when they first were, if anything in the
nature of restrictions was introduced, it must have consisted in
rules for the safe conduct of mining operations and probably
also affecting the miners, themselves.
Considering, however, that the Romans carried on mining
operations in the countries conquered by them, traces of
which still are found in Spain, Portugal, and England, it is
highly probable that they projected and applied regulations
such, indeed, as were suited and necessary for the guidance
of their mining operations. In fact, in 18Q3, it came to the
knowledge of the writer that a large bronze plate, with mining
rules engraved upon it in Latin, was discovered in a good
state of preservation in the ruins of old buildings which had
374 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
been used for the working of some ancient copper mines by
the Romans in Portugal; but the writer had no opportunity
of verifying this statement which was made to him by the
engineer who said he had examined these workings in the
year mentioned.
The mines of Spain were claimed by the crown as early
as 1236, and such laws of mines as were required for the
adjustment of mining rights appear to have been introduced
as early as 1387. No doubt such laws were modified from time
to time to suit varying conditions, as has been the case in that
country in modern times.
The mining regulations of England were originally derived
by prescription, and a claim to a right of title by virtue of
immemorial use, and such claims were confirmed in succes-
sion by the British Crown in 11Q8, 1202 and 1305.
It is believed, that the French mining regulations were origi-
nally based upon the Roman law; but, for this, we have no
better evidence before us than opinion.
However, previous to 1791, much confusion existed regard-
ing mining rights.
Were there time and space at disposal, it would be exceed-
ingly interesting as well as important to trace the reason why
the Crown or State of any of the older countries of the world
claimed the absolute right to the mines. We know there is
a right claimed by conquest, and that any conqueror in
ancient times could claim what he pleased, as did William, the
Norman Conqueror soon after 1066, and, in virtue of this
right, he divided the greater part of the conquered territory
between the nobles who followed and supported him, and
hence those who possessed the surface rights had also the
absolute right to the minerals which may have existed under
their estates, and no doubt this is the origin of the mining
rights possessed by the Lord of the Manor in the older
countries of Europe.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 375
However, one peculiar feature existed, which constituted
a reservation of Royal rights, which seem to have been con-
fined to gold mines under the pretext that they were Royal
Mines, belonging to the Crown or State owing to their
special excellence, and to assist or provide funds for the
defence of the country, and for the supply of coinage. The
Royal Mines were, however confined to those of gold and
silver, in contradistinction to all others which were termed
base mines. Nevertheless, the State in England set up a claim
to "any mines of copper, tin, iron and lead in which gold and
silver were found to be intermixed".
This claim was confirmed in 1568, but ceased afterwards.
For full information upon such matters, it would be well
to consult that excellent work "Guide to the Mining Laws of
the World" by Oswald Walmesley of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister
at Law (London) 1894.
After the conquest of South America by the Spaniards, and
when they discovered gold and silver mines in abundance
and which were considered to be so enormously rich, the
king of Spain claimed the mines as his sole prerogative, which
he, like a good Spaniard, expressed in such eloquent and do-
minant terms.
Naturally the mining rights as acquired by various persons,
subjects of the Court of Spain in South America, brought
about disputes and conflicting interests, and this occasioned
various complaints and communications which were made by
the viceroy from 1771 and following dates, to the king of
Spain, resulting in the formation of the mining laws known
throughout South America, as "Ordenanzas de Mineria de
Mejico", which commenced to be applied in 1783, and
affected all Spanish Colonies in South America. Such legal
dispositions continued in force in their original form until 1844,
when some additions were made, but, as a whole, continued
376
Mil
ARGENTINE
in force after the Independence of 1810 and, in the Argentine
Republic, up to 1887, and thus ruled the mining industry for
a period of 104 years.
Some of the dispositions of this old code of mining laws
are exceedingly important, not only for the regulation of
mining, but as exhibiting the power and great condescension
of the King to part with his royal prerogative upon conditions
which were imposed.
He says, (Article I of Title V). "The mines (constituting) a
property of my royal crown, as also by virtue of their nature
and origin (acquired by conquest) and, without sepa-
rating them from my royal patrimony, I concede to my vassals
n property and possession in such a manner that they may
sell, permute, lease, will and mortgage the rights which they
possess in them under the same terms of possession". See
"Ordenanzas de Mineria de Mejico", edition 1881, page 68.
In a contracted and concise form the two conditions upon
which the mines were conceded are thus expressed.
"The contribution to my royal treasury (3 per cent of the
value of the gold and silver extracted), and, on page 164 "the
working of the mines continuously with 4 miners in each, or
in default to do so for four consecutive months, entails forfei-
ture", so that if a miner or capitalist had opened up his mines,
and placed the necessary machinery for its development and
some fatal accident occurred to prevent the continuation of
the workings for four consecutive months, his rights together
with the capital expended were lost.
Thus it is clear that up to 1771, the equitable rights in a
mine so acquired were not well understood by the King of
Spain, and herein lies the base of the evil and injustice which
has been brought down and applied to the present time. Of
this we shall have occasion to speak at length further on.
For the period in which the old Mejican code of mines ap-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 377
peared, it was undoubtedly sufficient for the purposes intend-
ed, and although it contained some good general principles,
still, it was mixed with various Spanish incongruities. It has,
however, been accepted as the basis of all the modern mining
codes of South America.
It is not necessary, nor possible at present, to discuss the
comparative merits of the various mining codes now ruling in
South America, and for this reason any remarks must be
understood in a general sense and confined, more or less, to
the mining laws in force in this country and its working, with
which the writer has been acquainted for a period of 18 years.
The actual code of mines came into force on the 1st. of May,
1887, and consists of 537 pages 8vo., containing 375 Articles,
with a large amount of annotations or doctrines of law. It is
a corrected and reduced code from the original one projected
by the late Doctor Enrique Rodriguez, and published in 1885,
containing 578 pages and 414 articles, some of which were in
conflict with the constitution, and consequently a commission
of Congress was named to study the original project of
Doctor Rodriguez, and with the changes introduced by the
commission it was published in its present form.
It would be impossible, however, to discuss the merits of all
of the provisions of law it contains in a consecutive manner
together with the commentations or doctrines of law appended
to the text and, consequently, it is proposed to direct attention
to a few of the legal dispositions under which mining rights
and titles may be obtained.
The "Ordenanzas de Mineria de Mejico", or the old law in
force up to the end of April 1887, provided that the length of
a metalliferous vein of mineral, measured in the direction of
the outcroppings, should amount to 200 varas, of 33 inches
each, or for a total distance of 550 feet, the width being deter-
mined in evry case by the amount of the angle of declivity of
the mineral vein.
378 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The ancient miners, before and after 1783, determined the an-
gle of declivity by letting fall a plumb-line from a point in the
hanging wall of the mine under examination, to a depth of 1
vara, or 33 inches, and then measured the distance from the ter-
mination of the plumb-line to the vein of mineral, or underlie,
by so many palmos and dedos, or Spans and fingers, as the
case may be. Such measurements were then compared with a
scale which formed part of the "Ordenanza de Mineria of Me-
jico", and the corresponding width for the concession was se-
lected and measured upon the ground.
By referring to the original scale, we find that for two Spans
and three fingers, the width of the mining concession amoun-
ted to 112-5 varas, or 30Q-375 English feet. The scale referred
to preceded by three fingers at a time until, four palms (spans)
were reached, which measure was intended to correspond
with an angle of 45 degrees, and this gave the width of 200
varas, or 550 feet for the mine concession.
This old and uncertain plan was improved about 1844, and
a table of angles of declivity added with the corresponding
depth and width of the mines.
It was a principle of the old law that all metalliferous veins
and other economic mineral substances of commercial value
existing under the superficial rectangular area of 40,000 squa-
re varas, or 302,500 square feet, and included between per-
pendicular planes falling from each side of the rectangle and
passing to the centre of the earth, until the mineral vein was
reached, or intersected, would form and belong to a pertenen-
cia or concession of a mine.
The improved scale of the "Ordenanza de Mineria de Me-
jico", to which we have referred, is given in extenso, as follows.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
379
PERPENDICULAR OF THE TRIANGLE dedh-it^
Width of concession
I
2 spans and 6 fingers . . . -.j 58°
0'
= 125'Ovaras
2
" 9
.... 55
30 | = 137-5 "
3
" 0
.... 53
08
= 150-0 "
o
i n 3
.... 50
54 = 162-5 "
o
" 6
.... 48
49
= 175-0 "
3
i ci g
.... 46
54 = 187-5 "
4 ' " 9
. 45
00 = 200-0 "
Those who compiled the Ordenanzas, gave no reason what-
ever why this scale of angles and measurements was adopted
for determining the width of the mining concessions, neither
is there any evidence proving that such a scale of dimensions
was based upon mathematical, equitable, or commercial prin-
ciples. Nevertheless, the following calculations made by the
writer demonstrate what may have been, or was intended,
when this question was originally treated.
It may be observed that the bases and widths of the mining
claims, or pertenencias, given, consist of the five geometrical
elements which necessarily exist for the determination of the
numerical relation of the sides and angles of a right angled
triangle.
To carry out the idea of the proper form that a concession
should have, and demonstrated further on, it has been consi-
dered a matter of interest, as well as useful, to calculate or de-
termine the length of the hypothenuse, or, what is the same
thing, the length of the mineral vein taken in the direction of its
inclination as, also, that of the perpendicular, or the deepest
point of the mineral vein in each concession, for which deter-
mination the simple application of the trigonometrical func-
tions, or ih&sines and secants are sufficient.
The following table explains the calculations mentioned, and
380
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
in order to avoid confusion, it is divided into two series, i. e.,
corresponding to the first and second scale of the Ordenan-
zas, because there, the width of the concession of mines are
fixed at 100 varas for all the angles of declivity with larger an-
gles than 58 degrees.
TABLE N.°l
Scale of Degrees of
the Ordenanzas
for Mining con-
cessions.
' ' c 1» U, '
a,|! ££§
2^8 , a|8
B • U g t»
o o ~ .£ S c
„,-«, M5- •
= g"u • -s-g-Sc
S^^S 20S-§
C/l ^
Length, of Mineral
veins, or Hypo-
thenuses corres-
ponding to the
Angles in column
(1) and data in
column (3).
ai 2 v£
<_c "*" ~.£
^o ^2 ^ >
list's
Depths of perpen-
diculars calcula-
ted correspond-
ing to the Angles
in column (1),
and widths of
concessions i n
column (3).
First series calculated from the Ordenanzas
J)e?;s. llius
Varas Yai-u*
Va ran
45 00
1-41422
200-0
282-84400
0-70711
2000018
46 51
1-46218 187-5
274-15875
0-72957 200-0180
48 49
1-51867 175'Oi 265-76725
0-75261 200-0191
50 54
1-58559 i 162-5
257-65837
0-77605 200-0018
53 8
1-66681 150-0
250-02150
0-80003 200-0247
55 30
1-76551 137-5
242-75763
0-82413 200-0638
58 00
1-88708
125-0
235-88500 0'84305
200-0423
Second series calculated from the Ordenanzas
60 00
2-00000
1000
200-00000
0-86603 173-2060
65 00
2-366620
100-0
236-62000
0-90631
214-4511
70 00
2-92380
100-0
292-38000
0-93969
274-7466
75 00
3-86370
100-0
386-37000
0-96593
373-2064
80 00
5-75870
100-0
575-87000
0-98481
567-1225
85 00
11-47370
100-0
1,147-37000 0-99619
1,142-9985
89 00
57-29860
100-0 5,729-86000 0'99985
5,721-0005
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
381
FlG. 1.
WIDTHS IN VARAS
382
MINING. ARGI
REPUBLIC
The first column in the preceeding Table 1, contains the
Ordenanza scale of angles of declivity of the mineral veins,
and the other five columns contain calculated data, conse-
quently columns Nos. 3, 4 and 6, contain the length of the three
sides of a corresponding series of right-angled triangles. In
fact the hypothenuse, or length of the mineral veins are given
in column 4.
It has been found convenient to divide the table into two
parts i. e., the first commences at 45 degrees, and terminates at
58 degrees, with a width for the mining concession of from
200 to 225 varas, or from 550 to 618'7 feet.
The corresponding length of the mineral veins, measured
in the direction of its declivity, amounts to from 282'844 to
235-885 varas, or from 777*82 to 648*68 feet.
It is curious to note that these calculations prove that the
compilers of the Ordenanzas intended that the depth of the
mines under the angles given should be 200 varas or 550 feet,
and the difference in column 6 is so small that we must con-
clude that some adjustment must have been observed.
The angles of declivity in the second part of the table, ran-
ges from 60 to 89 degrees, and under all the others which
could occur within these limits, the base of the triangle, or
width of the mining concession is made the constant quantity,
or 100 varas.
In this case, the corresponding length of the mineral vein
ranges from 200 to 5,729'86 varas, or from 550 to 15,757T13
feet, and the depth from 173'206 to 5,721'0 varas, or from
476-316 to 15,732-75 feet, or 2'97 miles.
The Fig. N.° 1 attached to this page, is a graphic repre-
sentation of all the mining concessions which could occur,
and correspond to the angles of declivity in the scale of the
"Ordenanzas de Mineria de Mejico", as represented, and it
exhibits the ill proportion which exists between the length of
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
383
the mineral veins measured in the direction of the declivity,
and the depths to which they extend.
It will be observed, that in the first part of the scale, 4th- co-
lumn, the length of the mineral veins measured in the direction
of their declivity, continually diminish as the angle augments
until the difference between 45 and 58 degrees is 46'Q5Q varas
or 129- 132 feet.
The expenses, or total cost necessary to exploit a vein of
mineral with an angle of declivity of 45 degrees, with an ave-
rage thickness say of half a metre, is less than that required
to exploit a vein of mineral with an inclination of 58 degrees
under the same conditions and, consequently, the benefit which
may result would be less; but this important principle was
altogether ignored, not only by the ancient compilers of the
"Ordenanzas de Mineria de Mejico", but by all those who
have formed the modern codes of mines throughout South
America up to the present time, and, for this reason, up to
1888, the scale for the mines of Chile, was similar to that of
the Ordenanzas.
Column N.° 1 in the following Table, N.° 2, contains the
angles of declivity of the mineral veins under which mines are
measured in Chile, and the numbers in column N.° 3, are the
corresponding widths. The data contained in columns 2 and
4, are the calculated lengths of the mineral veins measured in
the direction of their declivity and depths at which each ter-
minates.
384
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
FIG. 2.
WIDTHS IN VARAS
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
385
TABLE N.° 2
Angles of
Inclination Chilian
Code
Hypothenuses,
or Lengths of veins
Base of Triangles, or
width of
Concessions
Perpendiculars,
or Depths of veins
Degs.
Metres
Metres
Metres
30°
230-940
200
115-4700
35
244-154
200
140-0415
40
261-080
200
167-8199
45
282-840
200
199-9990
50
256-691
165
196-6393
60
270-000
135
2338270
65
271-113
115
2467183
70
292-380
100
274-7476
75
386-370
100
373-2051
80
575-870
100
567-1280
85
1147-370
100
11430052
89
5728-9965
100
57248600
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
It will be observed that from 30 to 40 degrees, a small
augmentation of the mineral vein occurs, the difference being
26' 169 metres; but there is no regular or systematic augmen-
tation, for, under an angle of 60 degrees, the length of the
mineral vein is 270*000 or 12'840 metres less' in length than
that under the angle of 45 degrees. The lengths then augment
without ratio up to 89 degrees, under which declivity the
lengths of the mineral vein amounts to 5728'9965 metres,
with a depth of 5724-8600.
The Fig. 2, attached, represents all these dimensions in a
graphic form.
The scale for Argentine mines is a follows.
386
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Declivity of the
Mineral vein
Width of a Mining
Concession
45 degrees.
. . . . 200 metres
50
.... 240 "
60
.... 245 "
65
.... 275 "
70
.... 300 "
75
.... 300 "
80
.... 300 "
85
.... 300 "
89
300 "
Considering that the base of the triangles, or width of the
concesions of mines, are longer than those assigned in the Chi-
lian scale, the lengths of the mineral veins measured in the
direction of their declivity and depths are increased and, con-
sequently, it is still more irrational in its conception.
The compiler of the Argentine code of mines was an emi-
nent legislator, but he was not a mathematician and, conse-
quently, he fell into a grave error in stating the case of the an-
gles of declivity under which mineral veins could exist. He
says in Article 230 "When the inclination of the mineral vein
respect to the vertical corresponding to the longitudinal
line fixed for the pertenence does not exceed 45 degrees,
the latitude shall consist of 200 metres". All the other angles in
the code must, therefore, according to the law in the article
named, be referred to the vertical line, that is to say, from a
perpendicular line let fall, or supposed to fall from a point in
the out-croppings of the mineral vein towards the centre of
the earth; and this mode of putting the case could lead to
much dispute and discussion, for, in the first place, it must be
decided what Doctor Rodriguez meant by vertical, and what
is the proper signification of the word. No doubt in its gene-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 387
ral acceptation it means a line perpendicular to a given point
in the horizontal plane and continued upwards to the zenith.
This, therefore, could not have been the sense in which it was
intended to be understood in the mining code, because if the
measurement of the declivity of the mineral vein had been re-
ferred to this line, they would have been placed above the ho-
rizon, or in the air, and, consequently, as such veins exist in
the crust of the earth, it is clear that Doctor Rodriguez meant
that the angles of declivity of the mineral veins should be de-
termined by measuring them from a perpendicular line from
the horizontal downwards which he calls the vertical. As far
as the first angle in the scale is concerned, i. e., 45°, a mineral
vein would not be affected whether the angle was set out or
measured from the vertical of the horizontal lines, because it
is a central point betwen 0 degrees and 90 degrees, but when
we come to the other angles of the scale which, also, must be
measured from the vertical, or a perpendicular line below the
horizon, then grave errors are introduced, because the lengths
upon the inclination of the mineral veins in succession, would
be shortened being in the wrong position, consequently, each
mine, so treated, would contain a less amount of mineral than
it was entitled to.
No doubt this mode of treating the angles of declivity of the
mineral veins, could legally be enforced, but, in practice, it is
completely ignored, and the general surveying and engineer-
ing system of referring all the angles to the horizontal instead
of to the vertical line is adopted.
The writer has had occassion to apply the dispositions of the
code to mining cases daily for more than 18 years, and con-
sequently has devoted a great deal of time to its study as also,
to the dimensions which the different classes of mining con-
cessions should have, from which he has devised a project
based upon scientific and equitable principles, such as could
388
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
be accepted and made part of any new code of mines which
the government may elect to introduce.
The writer read a paper upon this subject before the North
of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers,
the principles involved in which, received complete approval.
In fact the Council of the institute awarded a premium to
the writer for "his important paper".
The elements in the following, table N.° 3, have been cal-
culated in order to assist in determining the length of mineral
veins in the direction of the declivity, which should be in pro-
portion to the increased depth, labour and cost of installation
and exploitation of a mine. The data contained in columns 3,
4, 6 and 7, have been specially calculated for this object.
TABLE 3
Inclination.
Hypothenuses or
Lengths of Mi-
neral veins.
Bases of the Tri-
angles.
Perpendiculars,
or Depth of
veins.
Weights to be Ba-
lanced or Rai-
sed.
Power necessa-
ry to Balance
Weights in Co-
lumn (5)
Difference of Po-
wers or Ratios
between the
consecutive
numbers in co
lumn (6)
Degrees
Metres
Metres
Metres
Quints.
Quintals
30°
100
86-60254
50-00000
5
2-50000
o-oooooo
35
100
81-91520
81-35764
5
2-86788
1-147152
40
100
76-60444
64-27876
5
3-21393
1-120664
45
100
70-71068
70-71068
5
3-53553
1-100064
50
100
64-27876
76-60444
5
3-83022
1 -083408
55
100
57-35764
81-91520
5
4-09576
1-069328
60
100
50-00000
86-60254
5
4-33012
1-057220
65
100
42-26183
90-63078
5
4-53153
1-046514
70
100
34-20201
93-96926
5
4-69846
1-036837
75
100
25-88190
96-59258
5
4-82962
1-027916
80
100
17-36482
98-48078
5
4-92403
1-019548
85
100
8-71557
99-61947
5
4-98097
1-011564
89.5'
100
0-29089
99-99998
5
4-99999
1-003819
Perpend.
90°
Perpend.
100
o-ooooo
Perpendicular
100-00000
5
5-00000
i-oooooo
(1) (2)
(3)
(4) (5) (6)
(7)
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
389
In order to arrive at reasonable and suitable results, it has been
necessary to consider the mineral veins as a series of inclined
planes under and corresponding to the angles of declivity in
column 1, of the table, commencing in the scale at 30 degrees.
It will be seen that the unit of measure, or lenght of the mine-
ral vein, or hypothenuse of the series of right angled triangles,
have been taken as a constant of 100 metres, and belonging
to the series; the column 3, contains the basis, and 4 the per-
pendicular depths of the veins of mineral. A constant weight of
5 quintals, or 500 Ibs, has been placed in column 5, which has
to be balanced upon the vein of mineral, or inclined plane re-
presented in column (2) by another counter-balance exerted
by an engine at the surface.
In column (6) we have the amount of the counter-weight or
power exerted to balance the weight to be drawn and indica-
ted in column (5), and upon the planes in column (2).
The ratio or difference between the powers in column (6)
is represented in column (7).
Fine mathematical precision, due to friction and the force
necessary to give motion and speed may be applied to the
final results, but as it is only intended to offer an approxima-
tely correct mode for the determination of the area a mine
should have, such niceties are not given.
The following Table contains the projected scale for mi-
ning concessions.
390
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
TABLE 4
Inclination
Hypothenuses, or Length
of veins
Perpendiculars, or Depth
of veins
Base of Triangles, or
Width of concessions
Degs.
Metres
Metres
Metres
30°
230-94000
115-47000
199-99990
35
264-92328
151-95347
217-01206
40
296-88998
190-83618
227-42969
45
326-59798
230-93968
230-93968
50
353-83886
271-04179
227-43108
55
378-36980
309-92639
21701279
60
400-02012
346-40971
199-99974
65
418-26666
37938308
176-90948
70
434-04761
407-84990
148-44520
75
446-16448
430-94082
115-47022
80
454-88618
447-95447
78-98646
85
46014640
458-37219
40-10238
89.5'
461-90370
461-87790
1-34356
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
The first angle has been fixed at 30 degrees, and this would
give a lenght for the mineral vein of 230*94 metres and depth
of 115'47 metres.
The second mineral vein in the scale has a declivity of 35
degrees, and considering that a greater power is necessary to
balance 500 pounds, with extra cost than would be the case
upon an inclined plane of 30 degrees, the mineral vein should
have a greater proportional length to compensate for the
excess in cost.
It willl be seen that the ratio in column (6) of Table 3 is
2-86788 and if we divide it i. e., 2^jjjj-= M4715.
The calculated length of the first mineral vein in Col. (2) in
table 4, = 230*9400 metres, and if we multiply this length by
1-147150, we should have 264*92282 metres for the length
of the mineral vein under an angle of declivity of 35 degrees,
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
391
with a corresponding width for the concession of 217'01206,
and depth of 151 '95347 metres respectively. The excess in
length of the vein of mineral due to this principle of adjustment
amounts to 33-98282 metres.
The other ratios contained in column (1) of the table must
be treated successively in the same manner, until the end is
reached, and in that case we have a ratio of 1-003818, which
multiplied by 460' 14640 gives 461 '90370 metres for the length
of a mineral vein measured upon the declivity and correspond-
ing to the angle 89° 50', which is only 10 minutes from the
perpendicular, with a difference of 0'003818 in ratio.
In all the mining and scientific literature of the various
nations that has come into the hands of the writer, he has not
been able to trace any special rules framed for the determina-
tion of the area that mines should have according to scientific
and equitable principles.
In the formation of a mining code to suit the conditions
and exigencies of mining engineering, equity and value,
various other considerations independent of mere law must
be considered and applied, without which the area of a mine
cannot be properly adjusted, and for this reason all the mining
codes of South America, are imperfect simply because men
of the law consider themselves capable of framing a code
of legal previsions to regulate mining operations, without
consulting mathematics and the science and practice of Mi-
ning Engineering.
The writer has always been of opinion that the law did not
initiate or create the mining industry; but, on the contrary,
theoretical and practical mining induced the law i. e., when
mining had progressed and conflicts of possession and other
disputed claims arose, third parties, such as arbiters were
selected to determine such questions, but as these were not
egally authorized, their descisions were, after a time, of no
3Q2 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
effect, and hence arose the necessity for legal interference
finally resulting in codes of regulations with power to enforce
them.
Under the conditions existing to day in the mining world, it
is impossible that the practice of the law, without the aid of
that of mining engineering, is sufficient to determine the va-
rious dispositions necessary to form a modern code of mines.
For this reason any authorized commission undertaking the
reformation of a mining code, must not only be composed of
eminent men of the law, but veteran mining engineers also.
The two sciences i. e., that of the Law, and that of Mine-en-
gineering should then be blended together in such a manner
that no conflict or contradiction in principles could exist. A
code of mines compiled in any other form must, of necessity,
be imperfect and inapplicable to the exigences of modern
times.
One of the principal dispositions in any code of mines, is the
question of the area of mines containing various classes of mi-
neral, and for this reason the author has dwelt upon the details
which should enter into this question at considerable length.
Consequently, to fix an area for the concession of a mine
which should contain, according to the best scientific engi-
neering practice, just such a quantity of mineral, and no more
than is sufficient to give an estimated or required extraction
or produce per annum to continue for a determined period,
having special reference to the cost of installation, exploitation
future contingencies and other important questions, would,
of necessity, involve very serious consideration and deter-
mination. Nevertheless, when it is necessary to form a new
code of mines, or reform an old one so that it shall contain
legal dispositions to meet all cases, real or imaginary,
beforehand, it is absolutely necessary to invoke the best ex-
perience and methods for the formation of a legal scale de-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 393
termining the area of mining concessions, and other disposi-
tions, rejecting absolutely such antiquated modes as we have
previously indicated and discussed.
Practical Mode of Determining the Area of a Gold Mine
For this object, it is necessary to determine the lenght of a
mine containing a vein of an auriferous quartz-mining con-
cession to be measured in the direction of or parallel to the
line of out croppings of a mineral vein.
This determination will be based upon the following data,
i. e., length of the mineral vein in the direction of the declivity
as previously given in the table, or 231 metres; thickness of
mineral vein, say 0'75 of a metre; working days 244 per annum;
duraction of mine 23 years; extraction of mineral, 60 tons per
day, specific gravity of the mineral 2'5, and weight per cubic
foot 1561bs.
Then 231 X 0'75 = 173*25 cubic metres, or 6,10Q cubic feet,
and 6^^6 = 425 tons.
This is the quantity of mineral existing in the mineral vein
whose length measured in the direction of the declivity is
231 metres and one metre in length measured in the direction
of the line of out-croppings of the mine.
Also, 24° X4265° x 23 = 775 metres, the lengh of the concession
required under the conditions.
It is evident that by varying the data according to the
conditions of the case, the length of mining concessions con-
taining this or any other class of mineral may be determined.
Besides, if the mineral vein is thicker than that assigned, and
is considered to hold gold throughout, the length of the mine
determined in the same manner.
It is clear, therefore, that a definite lenght for a mine, irres-
3Q4 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
pective of the thickness of the mineral vein, should not be
admitted; but it should be made a conditional legal disposi-
tion, and the scale fixed in a code of mines should not only de-
fine the angles of declivity, but the thickness of the mineral vein
with the corresponding length and widths for the concessions.
It is, therefore, conclusive that everything depends upon the
thickness of the mineral vein, its productiveness and specific
gravity of the mineral, all of which should enter into the
question for solution.
In order to set this matter clear, another class of mine is
adopted, i. e., a silver mine containing native silver, assaying
from 0'6 to 0-80 °/0.
In this case the specific gravity is taken at 3'5, giving
218.75 Ibs per cubic foot. The thickness of the vein is the
same as in the former case, the extraction 50 tons per day, the
length of the mineral vein in the direction of its declivity under
the angle of 30 degrees is 231 metres, and duration 23 years.
It is proposed to employ two water jacket furnaces reducing
25 tons of mineral, with 5 tons of fundents in 24 hours, or a
total of 12000 tons per annum.
Then 231 X 0'75 = 173'25 cubic metres, or 6,10Q cubic feet,
and 6,109 X 218 = 1,331,762 Ibs.
also '-^l^2 = 594-5 tons.
2240
Then 246 X 240 X 50 X 23 = 276,000 or the total quantity
existing in the mine; from which we also have
276,000
594
£L = 454-2 metres,
or the length which the mine should have under the condi-
tions given.
According to the same rule, a copper mine with a vein of
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
395
mineral 1'25 metres in thickness, specific gravity 4'45, with a
daily extraction of 100 tons, and to continue for 23 years,
would have a length of 349 metres.
A coal mine containing a bed of coal 4 feet in thickness,
with a specific gravity of 1'3, and to continue for 23 years,
with an extraction of 48000 tons per year, should have a
length of 2983-7 metres.
An iron mining concession, with a vein of T25 metres in
thickness, with a specific gravity of 4'9, continuing 23 years at
an anual out put of 30,096 tons, or sufficient for two small
blast furnaces, would require a length of 396'5 metres.
A Lead mine with a vein of mineral of 0*75 of a metre,
yielding 23,040 tons per year, for a period of 23 years, would
require an extension of 416 metres.
Determination of the Area required for a mining concession of
Auriferous Deposits, such as Sand, Gravel and Consolidated
Gravel.
In order to determine this question, it would be necessary
to take into consideration the following items or elements in
order to apply them in a practical manner.
DATA REQUIRED
1 Amount of capital required for installation £ 20,000
2 Average thickness of auriferous deposit . . 2 metres
3 Annual expenditure for exploitation . . . £ 5,000
4 Average produce of the auriferous deposits
in parts of an ounce 0'0520903
5 Annual benefit required upon capital ... 59 °/0
6 Duration of the concession 10 years
7 Average price derived from the sale of gold
per ounce £ 3 10s Od
396 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Then we have £ 20,000 X 59 °/0 = £ 11,800 net to be pro-
duced, and, for the quantity of gold to be derived annually
from the exploitation we also have.
£11'80£0+£5000 = 4,800 ounces of gold
which must be extracted from the auriferous deposit per
annum.
Also, for the number of cubic metres which it is necessary
to extract and treat per annum, we also have.
4800-000000
0-052093
X 1 year = 92,142*9 cubic metres.
In this case, the concession must have a length of 92,142*9
metres by one metre of width, with a thickness of auriferous
deposit of 1 metre, but in case the thickness is 2 metres, then
the length would be
= 46,071-45 metres.
In the first case cited, if we fix the duration of the deposit
at 10 years, quite a sufficient length of time, we should have.
92,142-9 X 10 = 921,428-983 square metres for the area,
and in the second case 460,714'49 square metres for the area
of the mining concession.
The topographical features of the places where the conces-
sion is required to be located may prevent the formation of a
quadrilateral or other regular figure for its demarcation, but
any irregular figure may be adopted which contains the area
assigned.
It is highly probable that after a proper examination of the
ground some of the data, referring to the average thickness of
the auriferous deposit, and its capacity of yield may vary from
what has been employed above, consequently the legal
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 3Q7
authority, commissioned to set out the limits of a concession
should possess the means of determining the facts upon the
ground, and so adjust the area to the circumstances.
It is clear that a rich auriferous deposit could not be treated
in the same manner as a poorer one in regard to the area,
because such a course would be injurious.
When rich auriferous deposits were first discovered in Aus-
tralia, the claim or concession allowed to each miner amounted
to a superficial- are of 144 square feet, but afterwards, when
more formal exploitation of deeper deposits took place, grea-
ter areas were granted, but none of these were given accord-
ing to any systematic plan.
Neither has the writer been able to discover that the area of
any mining concession in the various countries of the world,
have ever been made upon any mathematical and equitable
system.
From the demonstration which we have made, it is evident
that when the yield of auriferous deposits vary from 0'0260465
to 0'0520Q3 of an ounce of gold per cubic metre, and the
capital for the installation, annual exploitation, and the other
conditions were as previously indicated, the area of 100,000
square metres, as is assigned in the mining code of the Repub-
lic is much too small, and unless there were a number of
such concessions contiguous one to another, it is not probable
that any formal company could be found in favourable con-
ditions to exploit such a deposit or concession.
However, on the contrary, if the auriferous deposit were to
be above the average rate given, and, in fact, on examination
proved to be very rich 100,000 square metres would be in
excess of the area needed, and injurious to the Sate.
Whenever, therefore, a new law is made it is absolutely ne-
cessary to change this diposition, and it would be convenient
to define in it a minimum mining area, giving the commis-
398
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
sioned legal and technical mining authority the power to
extend or diminish such an area according to the richness or
poorness of the auriferous tract of land to be granted, taking
into consideration, also, the required conditions and circums-
tances of the case, such, in fact, as those we have indicated
in the previous discussion.
The following Table N.° 5, exhibits in column (2) the va-
riation of cost of installation; the third, the thickness of auri-
ferous deposits; the fourth, the percentage benefit to be
derived; the fifth the estimated gross income; the sixth, the
annual cost of exploitation; the seventh, the yield in parts of
an ounce per cubic metre; the eighth the selling price; the
minth, the area of the mine or the number of cubic metres
exploited in one year, and column ten contains the total area
of the mine and the number of cubic metres to be exploited
during 10 years.
TABLE N.° 5
Is •
c
•— 3 o
' C
<*a-
O
1-1
"o .
-~ n
c. •
O Cl
rt c^n
S c-- "
2 " i3
J=< Q.
o ,;
'U is
<J 3
<C !>«
^ CJ o» >«
Q^ ^
°1
ID
bjO ~-
u'|
"o»«
OS
K°
•g = ^
_iu~ n "~
"o j= c-
*-Z o
uf
2 £ 1
'i1<-1
"«£
= "5.
c x
»- o
A
"5 >- o
•£ O'M
<u ^ <u
OJ °"^
'•C
CUJ
!5 ^
i5"o
•^'o£ ^
•a "8 S 2^
D
< *"
£
u
"*
>
t^®
U
U
Days
£
Metres
%
£
£
Ounces
£
Sq. Metres
Sq. Metres
240
20,000
I
59
11,800
5,000
•0520930
3'5
92,142-8983
921 428-983
240
20,000
2
59
11,800
5,000
•0520930
3'5
46,071-4492
460 714-492
240
10,000
1
59
5,900
5,000
•0520930
35
59,788-1762
597831-762
240
10,000
2
59
5,900
5,000
"0520930
3'5
29,801-5881
298915-881
240
10,000
1
59
5,900
5,000
•0260465
3-5
119,566-3794
1195 663-794
240
10,000
2
59
5,900
5,000
•0260465
3'5
59,783-1897
597831-897
240
6,000
1
59
3,540
3,000 1 -0260465
3'5
71,739-8268
717 398-268
240
6,000
2
59
3,540
3,000
• 0260465
3'5
35,869-9134
358699-134
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
The writer has observed in another place that it would be
excessively difficult to frame a project for the determination of
the area which mining concessions should have according to
the conditions laid down, or those required, which would be
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
399
FlQ. 3
"c.
400 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
absolutely free from objection, imperfection, and not liable to
adverse criticism: nevertheless, it is submitted that the system
now proposed-whatever value it may have — is, at least based
upon well founded principles, and better adapted for the object
under consideration than the antiquated methods which have
been followed for so many years, and are now under con-
sideration.
It will be observed that in the column (2) of Table N.° 4,
the calculated lengths of the mineral veins increase in a regular
manner, as they should do, according to the excess of depth,
work and expense of installation and exploitation.
This is, also, graphically represented in Fig. 3, which
gives all the calculated quantities contained in Table 4, and
shows all the concessions which could exist under the scale
of angles given. This figure forms a series of cross sections of
mineral veins, including their depths and angles of declination.
It is more uniform in character, and presents a more harmo-
nious curve of work than exists under the antiquated scales.
Areas of Mines Allowed under the Present Code of Mines
Metalliferous mining concessions have a length upon the
direction of the vein of 300 metres with a width according
to the scale of angles of inclination, up to 300 metres, as
follows.
Square metres
Metalliferous mines . 90,000
Coal mines and all combustibles . . . 270,000
Gold washings (placers) 100,000
Borax and other salts 1,000,000
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 401
These mines are conceded irrespective of the thickness and
number of veins in each claim, but the law provides that a
trial pit shall be made upon the vein so as to discover its
amount of declination, and the maximum depth of the pit is 10
metres; and this pit is the legal point from which the mining
concession is set out.
As previously remarked, the thickness of the vein has no
legal bearing, still, it must be clear that a copper or silver vein
one metre thick must have twice the value of anoter vein of
the same class and yield, with a thickness of half a metre; but
the difference would be enormous to the exploiter. In this
way, concessions of mines are obtained with the thickness of
a mineral vein having only a few centimetres, and although it
may be worthless from a mining point of view, still it cons-
titutes the right to a mining concession.
The law of mines, as it stands in the Argentine code, is of a
protective nature and gives every facility to any person foreign
or otherwise to obtain mining concessions, the chief conditions
imposed being that the owner shall occupy the property with
at least 4 workmen during 230 consecutive days in each year,
but if this condition is not complied with the mine is forfeited
to the State and may be denounced by a second party; but if
the first owner can prove that his progress has been interrupted
by what is termed fuerza mayor i. e., from causes beyond his
control, then upon application to the mining authority he is
permitted to suspend his workings for a period according to
circumstances.
Those who have worked their mines for a consecutive period
of 2 years, having employed capitals of consideration in ma-
chinery and exploitation, are permitted to suspend their wor-
kings for a period of 2 years, but the reasons must be justified
in order to procure the legal permission.
The legal right to explore within a defined area which has
402 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
to be indicated to the mining authority, is granted upon peti-
tion, but such explorations extend only to 300 days, and the
explorer has the prior right to obtain concessions upon all
the mineral veins which he may have discovered in the area
explored.
The code of mines is in force in all parts of the Republic,
but the government of each province have the right to grant
concessions of mines in its own jurisdiction according to the
National legal dispositions.
The mines in the National Territories are granted by the Na-
tional Government.
Congress, has the power to change the legal dispositions of
the mining code when any project is submitted to it by the
National Government for that object.
Commissions have been appointed to reform the present
code of mines, but no practical result has yet been achieved.
Neither the National nor Provincial governments can take
possession of and exploit mines for their own account, neither
can they sell the mines to private or public companies without
infringing, and, in fact, destroying the rights of the subject as
originally conferred by the King of Spain.
CHAPTER XXV
Observations Upon Coal Deposits and Geology of the
Republic
The important questions involved in the discovery of car-
boniferous deposits in the Republic under favourable condi-
tions and of commercial value, such as would satisfy the
future requirements of the country, without having to depend
upon foreign countries, and the particular age of the rocky
formations in which they exist, or may exist, have been sub-
jected to much discussion and controversy. The geology of
the country, also, has not escaped attention, but it would be
impossible, in a brief notice of this kind, to indicate all the
persons who have identified themselves in its study. It may,
however, be remarked that this important science is taught
and studied in the schools, the higher Colleges and Universities
of the Republic.
Book learning and the theoretical principles to be taught
and acquired from it, have, and will still prove of the greatest
value and importance; but without the practical ability to read
the leaves of the great book of nature presented in the rocky
formation of this immense country, all the lessons in the world
will be futile.
404 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
On the contrary, however, to the scientific and practical
geologist, palaeontologist and mining engineer, the case is
vastly different, for they see, recognise, define and clearly
read that which is presented to them in each page of the
stupendous rocky book of God's creation, the glorious and
imperishable characters, brilliant as the diamond, transmitting
the sublime and fearful history of the creation, life and death
of all those worlds of various organic forms, the existence of
which has been preserved as fossil remains in an evident and
palpable manner throughout the lapse of the obscure and mys-
terious periods of the past, the duration of which can only be
compared to the eternity of the future, the sublimity of which
transcends the capacity of the human mind.
It must, therefore, be evident that a mere study of geology,
without the aid of the sister science Palaeontology, cannot be
otherwise than imperfect and lessened in value.
From what precedes, it may be deduced that Palaeontology
is a science as profound in its bearings as it is beautiful,
interesting, useful and important. To repeat, it must, therefore,
in all truth be considered as the twin sister of geology and,
consequently, marches hand in hand with it, illuminating the
intelligence and dissipating the dense obscurity surrounding
the great and mysterious truths of Nature's secrets.
It is not generally understood or acknonledged in this coun-
try, that the connection between geological studies in the field
and mine engineering are very closely allied, but it is, never-
theless true, for, whilst the former science is accepted as being
sufficient to explain the mode of occurrence, age and changes
which the different formations have undergone, it is also, in
some measure, an index to the nature and importance of mi-
neral deposits. However, the latter exhibits the still more
important question referring to the extension, composition,
proper and economical modes of exploitation, and determi-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 405
ningthe commercial value of each class of mineral discovered.
Probably, therefore, no apology is needed for the introduction
of these remarks in this place.
For a considerable time prior to 1863^ the so called coal
deposits were known to exist in a place called Aiarayes, in
the district of La Huerta, province of San Juan, and about that
time Mr. Rickard, the engineer appointed to examine the mines
of the Republic, directed his attention to this carboniferous
deposit, and he found outcroppings of beds of this sub-
stance which extended for a distance of nearly three miles,
but of such a poor quality that he doubted whether it would
have any commercial value. The coal, according to him, con-
tained 25 % of ash. At this time it does not appear that any
workings had been placed in the coal beds; but, in 1870, some
proof of the nature of these beds of carbonaceous deposits
had been made, and this induced the same gentleman, Mr.
Rickard, to form a different opinion, for he stated. "The coal
extracted from the Marayes is of a good quality, and the depo-
sits, as far as they can be traced, have a considerable exten-
sion, over an area of several leagues".
The discovery of coal in the Republic at that period was
considered to be of great importance, and after various repre-
sentations the Honourable Congress of the Nation passed a
Law,N.°818Q, in October 1870, offering a premium of $25,000
for the discovery of a coal mine in the Republic in such con-
ditions as would permit of a beneficial exploitation for indus-
trial purposes, and which could be compared to and compete
with foreign coal.
This disposition of Law was intended to encourage and
incite formal investigation, and a final discovery of an abun-
dance of coal of good quality, for the then and future industrial
uses as, also, that such discoveries would lead to and induce
the expenditure of capital in the development of such coal
deposits.
406 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The spirit of that Law was plain and effective, and to a cer-
tain degree had the desired effect.
One of the principal pioneers and most indefatigable
workers in this sense and cause was the late Mr. F. S. Klap-
penbach, who devoted much time and capital in perforation
works which he carried on in 1871, with the object of proving
the carbonaceous deposits in the Marayes province of San
Juan.
The coal which he extracted gave by analysis the following
elements.
Fixed carbon 46-00%
Volatile matter 43'96
Ash . 10-00
99-96
with a calorific force of 5711: it was classified as a lignite.
Coal in no better condition than that represented in the
above analysis, has been worked in other countries where a
better class of fuel is scarce; but, in that case, the beds are
thick, but those discovered by Mr. Klappenbach, on the con-
trary, were not proved to be in a condition to be exploited to
a profit.
This gentleman had his mines examined by some engineers,
and he published their reports, in which occur a series of ver-
tical sections of the strata and coal beds passed through. These
the writer also published in 1889 in his larger work upon the
mines of the Republic.
In 1876, Mr. Ricardo Napp made a reference to the coal
basin in the province of San Juan, and speaks of the carboni-
ferous formation as belonging to the geological period known
as Rhcetic, derived no doubt from the engineer's report pu-
blished by Mr. Klappenbach.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
407
Also, in 1876, the great naturalist, the late Doctor Burmeis-
ter, published the results of the study which be made of the
bituminous deposits of the Marayes, and also of some others
near to Uspallata, province of Mendoza; but he has not given
any demonstration that such deposits belong to the same
period as the great coal deposits of Europe.
In 1877, Mr. Estanislao de la Reta, manifested that he had
discovered a coal deposit at a place near to Retamito, in the
province of Mendoza, and he obtained a commission of en-
gineers to study the coal deposits.
In the report the commission gave the following analysis.
Fixed carbon 34'45 °/0
Volatile matter, etc ... 19-20 "
Ash 35-82 "
Water. 10*00 "
99-47
In 1886, the writer and the first Mining Engineer of the Na-
tional Government, Mr. Carlos A. Lynes Hoskold, were com-
missioned to make a study of the carboniferous formations and
places where artesian wells might be made in the province of
Mendoza, the exploration, for some curious reason or another,
being confined to a certain defined area, and after devoting
a considerable amount of time to this question, nothing more
than thin beds of bituminous schist were found.
Some of these worthless deposits were situated in the
Valley of Papagallos and other places within the area
indicated.
Outside the limits assigned in the instructions, the examina-
tion was extended to the coal deposits said to have been
discovered by Mr. E. de la Reta, as, also, the neighbourhood
of Challao, but the writer did not find any evidence of the
408 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
existence of coal beds of commercial value, and belonging to
the great carboniferous period. He, however, made a col-
lection of fossils too numerous to be enumerated in this
notice, although some of the more important ones will be
referred to further on.
The late Mr. Klappenbach, the gentleman previously re-
ferred to, again attempted to explore the bituminous deposits
of Marayes in 1887, and obtained results which he considered
to be satisfactory.
Previous to 1886, a coal deposit was reported to exist at
Paganzo in the province of La Rioja, and in that year conces-
sions were obtained and located upon these bituminous lands.
It seems that the late Doctor Brackenbusch, the then profes-
sor of Mineralogy and Geology in the University of Cordoba,
had examined this locality and formed a favourable opinion
of the coal beds which he said existed there. This opinion
was considered to be alsolute, and one of the interested par-
ties, the late Mr. Rafael Igarzabal, one of the Senators of the
Nation applied to the National Government for the premium
of $ 25,000 for the discovery of coal at Paganzo.
This application occasioned the appointment of a technical
Commission, consisting of Doctors J. J. J. Kyle, Puiggari, Car-
los Berg, Anacleto Gil, and the writer as president.
Consequent upon a legal circular issued by the Commission,
other applicants presented themselves as discoverers of coal,
and entitled !to the premium of $ 25,000.
At the commencement of 1887, the Commission was inun-
dated with documents and conflicting statements; and after
devoting the greatest attention to the claims from a legal and
equitable point of view for a period of 13 months, it arrived at
the conclusion that only a single applicant i. e., the Paganzo
Company had complied with the established conditions.
The commission possessed no legal power or attributions to
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 409
inspect, or order an inspection to be made of the different
places where coal was said to exist, its action being confined
to the documentary evidence produced, and the quality of the
samples of coal presented. Doctor Brackenbusch presented
an extensive report in which he said "Here is the coal, Mr.
Igarzabal, and it is rich, abundant and only thirty kilometres
from the station of Los Colorados, on the railway from Dean
Funes to Chilecito, which will soon be commenced". This
informe was dated 16 April 1886.
Now, without a practical examination of this coal deposit by
practical mining engineers, the Commission had to accept the
opinion of Doctor Brackenbusch; but considering that it was
composed of scientific and practical persons, a certain doubt
was entertained, and, consequently, the Commission recom-
mended in its very elaborate report that before granting the
premium for the indicated discovery of coal, the Company
should prove the opinion of Doctor Brackenbusch by making
perforations at Paganzo.
The report of the Commission was extensive and exhaustive,
and was presented to the Minister of Interior in 1887.
Two classes of coal was presented to the commision, one a
bituminous schist, and the other a good quality lignite. The
last was analysed by Doctor Puiggari on the 30th. November
1886 with the following results.
Per cent
Water 7'38
Carbon. 65'34
Coke ash 4'74 j
Combustible gases 22*54
10000
Calorific power 3991'—
410 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Some other samples of the same class of liguite were also
presented to the commission, analysis of which gave the fo-
llowing results.
Per cent Per cent
Water 8'85 7'38
Carbon 65'30 65'34
Ash 1-70 4-74
Volatile matter. 24" 15 22'54
. 100-00 100-00
It was not, however, anticipated that lignite of this quality
would be found in large masses, and afterwards, and upon
a proper investigation, this opinion was substantiated.
The same company i. e., that of Paganza, presented samples
of bituminous shale, and, these, also, were subjected to a series
of analysis with the following results.
Per cent Per cent Per cent Per cent
1-00
2-00
2-00
1-882
n
18-24
31-00
30-90
41-562
32-58
36-64
37-00
31-640
e mather. . . .
48-18
30'36
30-10
24-916
Water
Carbon
Ash
100-00 100-00 100-00 100-00
The government acted upon the advice of the commission
and, consequently, the Paganzo coal company introduced into
the country an expensive Diamond Drill or perforating machi-
ne from the United States of North America, and, also, a
practical mechanic to conduct the perforations. Doctor Bra-
ckenbusch had already conducted the sinking of a pit close
to the base of a granite hill, which was called after his name,
and he was employed by the company to indicate where the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 411
new perforations should be made. The first was commenced
in 1888, at a point 50 metres distant from the pit Brackenbusch,
and was continued to a depth of 80 metres passing through
thin beds of clay, sandstone and shales. At the depth mentio-
ned the granitic rock was encountered.
At a distance of 50 metres in a direct line from the first
perforation, a second was commenced, and after passing
through a series of sandstone beds, volcanic rocks and shale,
it struck what is termed coal-partings of 4*5 inches thick at a
depth of 163 metres, terminating in sandstone rock at 172 me-
tres. A third point was selected at a distance of 100 metres in
a direct line from the perforation N.° 2, and after passing
through a series of strata similar to those in N.° 2 perforation,
a granitic bed was struck at a depth of 236 metres. It was
continued in massive red sandstone to a depth of 2Q3 metres
and then ceased.
Thus the written statements of Doctor Brackenbusch which
had cost the Nation so much labour, and the Paganzo Com-
pany the loss of much capital, were not substantiated and the
premium was not granted.
The writer constructed a geological section 3'5 metres in
length, in colours, of the strata passed through by the perfo-
rations made at Paganzo, at his own cost, and at the Exhibi-
tion of Chicago, in 18Q3, the Jury of Awards considered it to
be artistically drawn and of value and, consequently, awarded
the highest prize for it.
The following details of the rocks passed through are taken
from the section in question, which is still in the possession of
the writer.
412
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Section N.° 1 of The Perforation Made in 1888, 50 yards West
of The Brackenbusch Shaft.
DESCRIPTION OF THE
ROCKS
Thickness of
the Rocks
in Feet
Depth from
surface
in Feet
DESCRIPTION OF THE
ROCKS
Thickness of
the Rocks
in Feet
Depth from
surface
in Feet
Gravel . . . . .
11
11
Slate
2
108
Drift . . . . .
22
33
Sandstone
5
113
White sandstone ....
4
37
Slate
1
114
Soft shale .
3
40
Sandstone
g
123
Red shale . ....
4
44
Sand shale .
7
130
White soft shale
3
47
Sandstone
5
135
Clay shale
4
51
Sand shale
4
139
Sand shale
11
67
Slate
2
141
Clay shale
5
67
Sandstone
10
151
Sand shale
10
77
Sand shale
6
157
Sandstone
6
83
Slate . . . .
4
161
Slate
2
85
Sandstone (conglomerate)
24
185
Shale
2
87
Sandstone (red rock)
16
201
Soapstone
3
90
Sand shale .
7
208
Sandshale . .
3
93
Sandstone
6
214
Soap stone
4
97
Shale ...
6
220
Sandshale
5
102
Red sandstone
30
250
Sandstone .
4
106
Granite .
10
260
The details of section N.° 2 of the perforation, made also
in 1888, at a distance of 50 metres in a direct line to the west
of N.° 1 boring, last described, are as follows.
DESCRIPTION OF
ROCKS
Thickness
of the Rocks
in Feet
Depth from
surface in
Feet
DESCRIPTION OF
ROCKS
Thickness
of the Rocks
in Feet
o ~
— •*"
ff
13
13
Slate
2
375
Red sandstone
47
60
Sandstone (conglomerate) .
3
378
3
63
Black slate
4
382
Red sandstone
7
70
Sandstone (conglomerate1 .
12
394
16
86
Soft shale
6
400
12
98
Sandstone
10
410
Red paint rock
12
110
Slate
4
414
White sandstone
2
112
Conglomerate
7
421
Red sandstone
8
120
Sandstone
13
434
Red paint rock
4
124
White sandstone ....
4
438
14
138
Slate . .
3
441
5
143
White sandstone
5
446
10
153
Soap stone . ....
4
450
29
182
Sandstone . ...
36
486
20
202
Slate . .
488
85
287
Sandstone
18
506
Volcanic rock
20
307
Slate , . .
2
508
Volcanic rock (light colour).
6
313
Sandstone
21
529
Black slate
18
321
Coal partings (slate white' .
4
533
Brown slate
17
338
Cap rock
0
535
Sand shale
6
341
Coal partings (slate white) .
4
539
Black slate
4
348
Sandstone
7
546
Sandstone
12
360
Coal partings (slate white) .
3
549
Sandstone (conglomerate) '.
13
373
Sandstone .
6
555
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
413
Also, the details of section N.° 3 of the perforation made in
the same year and at a distance of 100 metres to the west from
N.° 2 boring, just described, are as follows.
DESCRIPTION OF
ROCKS
Thickness of
the Rocks
in Feet
Depth from
surface
in Feet
DESCRIPTION OF
ROCKS
Thickness of
the Rocks
in Feef
Depth from
surface
in Feet
Doby
18
18
Red slate
7
720
Gravel . . .
23
41
Red shale
65
784
Red sandstone
389
430
Red granite .
4
789
Red slate
226
656
Blue shale
I
790
Red sandstone
10
666
Red sandstone. . .
10
800
Red slate
7
673
Red shale
§
808
Shale
40
713
Red sandstone .
150
958
The proofs which Mr. Klappenbach had made upon the
carbonaceous deposits in the Marayes, did not seem to be
sufficient to convince people of the real condition of these
bituminous beds, and, for that reason we find that in 1887, a
Mr. Juan Cruvillier formed a society to exploit the beds which
he urged existed in the Marayes, or Himanas as be termed the
place.
It appears that three pits were made, a section of one of
which appeared in a report dated 188Q, and had a depth of
56'70 metres. A number of coal beds are shown in this section,
and, although a large sample of the coal from one of the
pits was exhibited for some time in the offices of the Stock
Exchange here, (Buenos Aires) still it did not induce a for-
mal exploitation of the coal mines of the Himanas. This large
sample of bituminous matter came into the hands of the writer
and measured 4 superficial feet and about 2 1/a inches in
thickness.
It was exhibited by the writer at the Chicago Exhibition, in
1893; but the member of the Jury who examined it, considered
that it was not sufficiently important to receive a premium.
According to the late doctor Burmeister, the rocks on the
south side of the Sierra de la Huerta, belong to the Tertiary
414 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
period, and that from this extreme point of the Sierra, along
the eastern base passing the Papagayos, the Huerta, Chucuna
to Astica, the same formation may be traced.
According to this authority, five veins of carbon exist from
the place called Papagayos to the South of La Huerta, which
appear to have an average direction of North-east to South-
west. Nevertheless, it appeared on the ground in a curved
form from the Marayes to the Huerta.
According to the opinion of doctor Burmeister, the thin
beds are found in metamorphic rocks, and, consequently are
no longer in contact with the Tertiary formation which passes
below, and he describes the Sierra de la Huerta to consist of
metamorphic rocks extending toward the north in a broken
chain up to the Valley Fertil, Iglesia, Salinitas, Bichigasta, etc.
and to the Cerro of Famatina.
However, doctor Steltzner has expressed a different opi-
nion, and stated that the southern part of the sierra of the
Huerta consists of sandstone rocks belonling to the Rhcetic
formation, and that they extend up to the Papagayos, Mara-
yes, Huerta, Barrancas, Colorado and further towards the
north or, at least, within two leagues of Tucuna on the eastern
slope of the Sierra and, also, for about 3 leagues to the north
of the Chacrita.
The same author stated that towards the extreme north the
Rhcetic formation is joined to that of the gneiss mountains
which penetrate various leagues towards the south between
Marayes and Papagayos forming the central part of the Cerro,
and that the eastern and western sides are surrounded by the
Rhcetic formation. This authority thought that a carboniferous
deposit existed, and not a mere deposit of bituminous schist.
This same geologist also stated that another portion of the
Rhcetic formation existed towards the north commencing in
or to the east of Salinitas, and, also, that, at a distance of 7
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
415
leagues from the last mentioned place there exists large beds
of sandstone which also belongs to the Rhastic formation.
A similar formation is also found at Jachal, Guaco, and in
various other places to the south of Jachal. In Tambillos, in the
province of Rioja, are to be found other parts of the same class
of rocks which appear to indicate the presence of carbon.
The same author has classified all the rocks of the province
of Mendoza, in which carbon is found, as belonging to the
same period, i. e., the Rhcetic formation.
The late doctor Brackenbusch also stated that the deposits
of carbon discovered by him at Paganzo, in the province of
La Rioja, existed in the Rhcetic, and that some of the veins or
beds of carbon rested immediately upon granite rocks.
So that useful data may not be lost, the writer has trans-
cribed the followings elements contained in the following
tables from one of his former works now out of print.
N.° 1
DATE
1887
State of the
retort
Duration of
charge
Gas per
1000 kilos
of coal
Coke per
1000 kilos
of coal
Illumina
ting capa-
city
Cubic metres
Kilos
Candles
June 7
»
»
Red
Bright color
»
70 minutes
52
52
2702
275-2
275-8
680
651
690
14-92
14-63
14-74
Average
273-73
673'66
14-74
June 10
Red
Bright color
N.° 2
57 minutes
204-4
707
19-81
60
208-6
722
18-49
58
2044
727
18-85
Average
205-8
717
19-06
416 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The above table N.° 1, exhibits the quantity of gas, coke and
illuminating capacity of the carbon which was obtained from
the mines of the late Mr. Klappenbach, situated in the Mara-
yes, province of San Juan.
In table N.° 2, are also represented the elements obtained
from the carbonaceous matter which was said to have been
extracted from the mines of the late Mr. R. Igarzabal, at Pa-
ganzo in the province of La Rioja.
These determinationes were made by Mr. Stevenson, the
manager at that time of the gas works at Barracas, Buenos
Aires, and he was of opinion that the carbon of Marayes ap-
peared to have all the properties of European coal, producing
a regular quantity of gas with a great illuminating force, equal
to that obtained from the Newcastle coal; but that the coke
was soft and dirty, and was of no use for heating purposes.
A comparison of the elements of tables N.° 1 and 2, shows
that the carbonaceous material obtained, or said to have been
obtained from the Paganzo mines, gave 205*8 cubic metres of
gas per french ton, or 67'93 cubic metres less than that pro-
duced by the carbonaceous matter obtained, or said to have
been obtained from the Marayes; but the former yielded 45
kilos more coke and 4'30 more candle force than the latter.
For many years past carbon has been discovered and re-
ported at a place called Tambillos, in the province of La Rioja,
and other places, but its commercial value has not been proved
up to the present.
Various geologists and others had also reported carbonife-
rous deposits in some of the mountains neartoFamatina; but
after an examination of these gas shales, "The Famatina Deve-
lopment Corporation" refused to take up concessions which
had been located upon the carbonaceous shales.
Various samples of this bituminous shale have been exami-
ned by the writer, and from analysis made of it, he has selected
the following as typical.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 417
Fixed carbon 8*10 %
Volatile matter 10'20 "
Ash 79-91 "
Water . 1-79 "
1 00-00 °/o
Besides the well known deposits of coal in the Department
of San Rafael, belonging to Doctor Salas, and the bituminous
desposits of Mr. E. de la Reta, there are other deposits of lignite
and bituminous substances in the province of Mendoza, but
of these the writer does not possess any reliable analysis, and
for this reason a description cannot be given.
Considering, however, that the coal question is of the grea-
test importance and that, consequently, this chapter is inten-
ded to convey all that is of practical value referring to it, the
writer has, at the risk of being criticised as a tautologist, in-
corporated the analysis given in former chapters upon coal
together with all the others which he considers to be of the
most reliable and practical importance.
The coal deposits of Doctor Salas, situated in the Depart-
ment of San Rafael, province of Mendoza, have been referred
to in chapter X, p. p. 239, 243. The analysis occurring on p. p.
241, 242 are repeated here as follows:
Fixed carbon 47'61 °/0
Gases and volatile matter . 49*51 "
Water 2'05 "
Ash. 0-63 "
100-00%
After evaporating the water and eliminating the ash, another
analysis gave:
418 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Hydrogen 8'630/0
Oxygen 25'12 "
Carbon 60'59 "
Nitrogen 1'43 "
Sulphur 4-23 "
100-00%
It was found that an average sample of the coal had a spe-
cific gravity of 1*173, and heating power of 5485.
The following analysis of the coal obtained from the mines
of Doctor Salas were made by Doctor Pedro N. Arata.
Inmediate Analysis
Water 2'35
Ash 0-48
Coke 49-43
Volatile matter 48'21
Heating power 5809*32.
Elementary Analysis
Carbon 81'37°/0
Hydrogen 6'85 "
Oxygen 1M9 "
Ash . 0-59 "
1 OO'OO °/0
Other analysis of the same class of coal, obtained from the
coal mines "General Mitre" and "General Roca", belonging
also, to Doctor Salas are as follows:
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
419
Humidity 4-250% 2'260%
Volatile matter 43*700 " 41 '720 "
Fixed carbon 5 1-330 |
Ash. 0-720 C0ke' 52'°5° 56'°2°"
1 00-000° /0 1 00-000 °/c
Heating power 5573-159% 6075*920 °/0
This coal was proved in the Primitive Gas Company of Bue-
nos Aires with the following results.
Coke produced 40'00 %
Gas 38 00 "
Illuminating power from 24'37 to 27 30 candles, and the
report stated that the coke is light but very pure and that the
coal is of a superior quality for the production of gas. This
report is dated 28 August 1892.
Various samples of coal, or at least of a bituminous substan-
ce, were sent to the National Department of Mines and Geo-
logy, and in some cases, the name of the mines or deposits
from which they were derived, were not stated. One of these
samples is described as having been obtained from a mine
situated at a distance of two leagues from the city of Men-
doza. The analysis of the sample is as follows.
Fixed carbon 25'240/0
Volatile matter 17'82 "
Ash 55-52 "
Water 1'42 "
1 OO'OO °/0
The specific gravity amounted to 1'56.
Another sample was described as comming from Cacheuta,
province of Mendoza, and its analysis was as follows.
420 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Fixed carbon I ofi~s
Volatile matter (
Ash 60-00
Water . 5'62
100-00
A sample of coal from one of the bituminous schist mines
of Mr. E. de la Reta, situated in the same province gave the
following analysis.
Fixed carbon 34' 48 °/0
Volatile matter IQ'20 "
Ash 35-82 "
Water 10'50 "
100-00 %
For a very particular analysis carried out for the discovery
of Vanadic Acid in the ash of this coal, the reader is referred
to page 242.
Referring to the nature and age of the rocks existing in a
part of the province of Mendoza, the late Doctor Burmeister
expressed the opinion that the mountains situated to the west
of Mendoza consisted of sedimentary beds belonging to the
Palaeozoic period, and containing a carboniferous formation,
nevertheless, he added that this formation is not in the true
coal measures known to exist in Europe and other places, i. e.,
between the Devonian and New Red sandstone formations.
The Doctor also discovered in the locality of Challao some
plants of the fern family, which had no distinctive form.
Challao is situated at about 1 4 leagues to the south west
of the City of Mendoza, and when the writer inspected it,
he made excavations upon certain bituminous schist beds,
not at all approaching to coal, as had been represented. The
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
421
bed of dark schist had a direction of N. 30° E., inclining 60
degrees to the north at an angle of 50 degrees. There existed
in the overlaying brown beds an immense quantity of fossil
plants badly preserved and, consequently, their class could
not be determined nor, by their means, the age of the rocks-
inclosing them.
The bituminous schist, called coal, situated between San
Isidro and Crucecita, or in the valley of Papagayos, was found
to be in the same rotten condition, and although it contained
numerous fossils, still none could be obtained.
However, in an underlying thin bed of grey limestone at some
distance from the bed of dark bituminous schist, the writer
discovered a variety of fossil plants in an indifferently preser-
ved condition, and among these he recognised Pecopteris
and Neuropteris, of the long family of ferns, as also an isolated
example of Glossopteris browniana, which the writer believes
has not been previously described in this Republic. This fossil
plant is similar to Naggerathia obovata discovered in the
carboniferous period of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in 186Q.
The writer also discovered the genius Phyllotheca in another
place in this province.
Also, in the neighbourhood of Challao, in a dark rotten bed
of slate, he discovered various Graptoliti representing Phyllo-
graptus, Diplograptus and Climacograptus associated with
Diplograptus.
This discovery proves to a demonstration that the rocks in
which these fossils occurred belong to the lower part of the
great Silurian formation, and proves that Doctor Burmeister
was right when be stated that the Palaeozoic period of rocks
existed in some parts of the province of Mendoza.
The collection of fossils which the writer made was suffi-
ciently extensive, but they did not prove the presence of the
great carboniferous period.
422 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
It has been stated that coal existed to the south west of Men-
doza, near to Lujan, but it has not, to the knowledge of the
writer, been determined whether it consists of black bituminous
shale or otherwise. Also, it is stated that in the plain of Uspa-
llata, between Paramillo and the Cordillera of the Tigre, car-
bon has been found.
The late Doctor Burmeister had arrived at the opinion that
these deposits of carbon are, towards the south, in contact with
volcanic rocks and that, towards the north, the rocks belong
to the primitive series, that is to say Silurian.
Near to the same locality, the well known geologist Steltz-
ner, has shown that there exist beds of Carboniferous strata
deposited upon sandstone beds belonging to the Rhaetic for-
mation, in the Mesozoic in contact with Silurian rocks
towards the south, and with Andesite and other undetermined
formations towards the north.
Considering that no particular and precise engineering geo-
logical survey has yet been made determining in an absolute
manner the quality and limits of all these formations, it is not
possible to define at present the limits of any bituminous
deposits which may exist in the provinces of San Juan and
Mendoza. Probably, however, soon we shall be able to direct
more particular attention to these questions.
For many years past it was known that coal deposits existed
in the National Territory of Neuquen, a description of which,
with its various kinds of mines have already been given in
Chapter XVIII.
The analysis of this coal given in that chapter is repeated
as follows.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 423
Fixed carbon. . . 53*90 50' 18
Volatile matter . . 33'50 35*42
Ash 3-55 10-65
Water . 9*05 3*75
100-00 100-00
Coke 57-46 6M3
Ash contained , 6'26 17'30
Heating power . . 4570 4636
Various other analysis have been made of this coal, the
following having been selected from them.
Fixed carbon .
72-18
53-76
63-32
58-91
Volatile matter.
26-68
31-05
35-62
35-72
Ash ....
0-72
14-65
0-28
3.22
Water. . . .
0-52
0-55
0-78
3-15
100-00 100-00 10000 10000
Heating power 5585'43 4384*35 5163'6 4804'0
Clearly, therefore, we have two classes of coal in the Terri-
tory of Neuquen, one of which contains more ash than the other.
Carboniferous deposits have also been discovered for a
considerable time past in the National Territory of Chubut,
and of the samples that were exhibited in the National De-
partment of Mines and Geology, some were analyzed.
The following is an example.
Fixed carbon 41-00%
Volatile matter 39*00 "
Ash 9-00 "
Water 10'OQ "
99-00
Coke. • . 49-00%
Heating power 4219 %
424 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
This coal was very compact and hard, capable of being
transported without falling to pieces.
In 1894, the existence of coal was proved in the National
Territory of Rio Negro, and according to the official analysis,
ordered by the writer, the elements were as follows.
Fixed carbon 35-20%
Volatile matter .... 27'75 "
Ash 34-60 "
Water 2'45 "
100-00%
Coke 69-54%
Heating power .... 4197%
The late Coronel Rhode believed that he had discovered a
coal mine in the Territory of Rio Negro, and made application
for a concession but did not fulfil the conditions of the law.
The Samples of coal which he appears to have extracted were
analyzed and a copy of the same was as follows.
Fixed carbon 64-07 °/0
Volatile matter 25'94 "
Ash 8-14 "
Water . 1-85 "
100-00
The sample of coal which Coronel Rhode presented for the
'nspectioti of the writer appeared to be compact and hard,
but no information was presented referring to the thickness of
the coal bed, but it was stated that the coal extended over a
arge area.
Another deposit of coal also seems to have been discove-
red somewhere along the banks of the Limay river : but whe-
ther in the National Territory of Neuquen or that of Rio Negro
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 425
is uncertain, for, the parties who made the discovery were
reluctant to give information as to the precise locality. How-
ever, they possessed a large sample of the coal which the
writer inspected, and from its general physical appearance he
was led to believe that it was of an excellent quality. It was
very compact and hard but, unfortunately, no analysis was
made of it, at least, if it were, it did not reach the writer. It
was, however, stated that the out-croppings of this coal for-
mation could be traced upon the surface for a long distance.
The late Mr. Thomas Kincaid, in association with an estan-
ciero in the Territory of Santa Cruz, made a formal application
fora coal mine near to the Bay of San Julian, but did not con-
tinue the legal procedure.
This carboniferous deposit had been known for many years;
but the writer does not possess any information as to the
thickness of the formation or any analysis of the coal.
The so-called deposits of lignite along the southern coast of
the National Territory of Tierra del Fuego, were known many
years prior to 1895, but in that year petitions were newly
made for this combustible, a history of which, and the interest
the government was induced to take in investigating the im-
portance of the deposits, has already been given in Chapter
XXII, pp. 347, 348. However, as previously noted and in
order to bring all the analysis of carbon into one chapter, the
analysis on page 348 is repeated in this place :
Fixed carbon 42*44
Volatile matter 40'72
Ash 0-84
Water 16'00
100-00
Another analysis of the same lignite gave the following
results.
426 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Fixed carbon 39'59
Volatile gases 34'36
Ash 5-31
Water , 20'74
100-00
The Union Industrial Ciub also made other analysis of the
same class of lignite, with the following results :
Water 26'850 17*00
Volatile matter . . . 31 '630 31 '88
Fixed carbon .... 39'470 18'40
Ash 2-050 32-72
Sulphur 0'466 not determined.
Heating power . . . 3482 2324
The lignite contained a considerable amount of oxide of
iron, but the per centage of this element was not determined.
However, it has the effect of causing it to fall to pieces when
exposed to atmospheric action.
A few years since lignite of a superior quality was discover-
ed in the Province of Salta, and samples of it were presented
to the Department of Mines and Geology and it was tested in
the laboratory. Doctor Kyle was also good enough to make
an analysis of it and found it to contain the following ele-
ments :
Fixed carbon 51-38 "/»
Volatile gases 44'85 "
Ash 3-22 "
Water . 0'55 "
100-00
Coke 55-60
Heating power 5600
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
427
Curious enough Doctor Kyle also found that the ash of
this lignite contained Vanadic Acid similar to the coal of San
Rafael, province of Mendoza, and that of Neuquen.
The existence of this lignite deposit of Salta was first
known in Buenos Aires in 1895.
A large number of samples of carbon from different parts
have been sent to Doctor Kyle for analysis, and he was good
enough to present to the writer the following table of the ele-
ments which he obtained. These determinations are of the
greatest value and importance as coming from the most relia-
ble authority.
Table of Analysis of Argentine Coal
PROVINCE OR
NATIONAL TERRITORY
CLASSIFICA-
TION
<MU
C 11
II
>f
c
co
Q
Higroscopic
Water
Volatile
matter
ll
.2 i-
u- Q
<
Rio-a (Paganzo) . . . .
Bituminous
3572
6054
1-582
1-313
2-00
8'55
30-10
94-45
30-90
65*30
37-00
1-70
<>
6274
0'90
21T6
79-44
5'50
Mendoza. ... . .
Lignite
3043
10'60
10-20
34'38
35'82
3356
14'05
21-55
41'20
20-9Q
11
3958
1-430
12'90
?0-65
37-09
29-36
•>
4402
1-50
27'70
40'95
29'85
<t
4997
T60
°8'85
41 03
28-59
45r.8
2'05
31-33
43-95
22-67
4600
2'65
25-97
38-68
32-70
(Uspallata) . .
(Las Higueras)
Neuquen. . .
?
Coke
Vanadifere
Lignite
Dry coal
•)
4102
5011
5364
4031
5167
3936
4571
1-60
0-60
0-55
10-65
8-40
5-65
9'05
24-72
1-25
46-10
27-41
32-80
25-75
33'50
41-93
58-75
50-30
42-64
52-95
38-20
5390
31-75
3940
3-00
19-50
5-85
30-40
3-55
H
4636
3-75
35-12
5048
10-65
5420
0*50
30-40
67-40
1-70
4652
2'50
38'20
52-45
6-85
San Juan. ... . .
3
5082
1-550
T50
30-80
43-15
21-55
(Las Himanas). . .
' (Colorado de Gonda)
Tierra del Fuego ...
?
•>
•)
Lignite
5090
5174
3854
1-420
1'46
1-30
3-15
16-52
2502
35-07
22-15
32-10
63-52
47-17
49-97
31-74
10-00
16-46
24-73
16-66
3767
1-460
23-40
36-20
28-74
11-64
Chubut ....
u
4219
10-90
39-00
41-00
9-10
Salta
•>
3703
16-50
40-72
37-68
5-10
Lignite
3361
21-75
37-26
53-37
7-62
Jujuy . .
3065
21-25
29-05
32-72
16-98
Catamarca .
9
5993
1-55
3305
6288
2-52
428 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
In 18Q1, the late Doctor Carlos Berg, at that time Director
of the Museum of Natural History in Montevideo, and after-
wards Director of the National Museum of Natural History of
Buenos Aires, wrote a pamphlet of four pages, and published
it in the Anales of the Sociedad Cientifica Argentina, with
two objects, i e; to prove the existence of the carboniferous
formation in the Republic and the discoverer of that formation.
He cites the opinion of Doctor Sajnocha, a celebrated Paleon-
tologist who, when referring to some correspondence said
"The vegetable remains last sent to me — from the Argentine
Republic — have again confirmed my former determinations as
to their age. I have been able to determine five species as
belonging to the lower coal (kulm inferior). They are
Archaeo catamites radiatus Brognt, (very abundant and in
various samples of different age), Lepidodendron, of the group
of the L. nothum Unger, Lepidodendron Pedroanum Carru-
thers (3 samples), a doubtful Rhaeopteris, Machanestri, Stur,
and Cordaites borassifolius Brognt (2 samples)". "The two
samples are of the trias superior, — and not from the tertiary
as is the opinion of Mr. Meister — from the Huerta deMarayes,
with impressions of Thinnfeldia, odontopteroides and badly
preserved specimens of Pterophyllum longifolium.
These supra-triasic vegetable remains have alreadly been
mentioned in my work upon the plants of Cacheuta — province
of Mendoza — and Steltzner and Geinitz knew the locality of
La Huerta of Marayes.
It seems that Prof. Szajnocha had occasion to communicate
his fossil determinations of the Retamito to Doctor Bracken-
busch, and that the latter stated that he considered the carbo-
niferous deposit at that place — Retamito — as a trustification,
and that the vegetable fossil remains had been carried to and
deposited there by some artificial means." However, this opi-
nion was not acceptable and other persons had opposite ideas
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
429
considering the coal deposit at Retamito as belonging to the
true carboniferous formation.
As far back as 1888, Doctor Brackenbusch visited the car-
bon mines situated near to the river Pedernal, close to Reta-
mito, and he says that "having excavated some 6 metres in a
sort of adit, he found some coal mixed with ferruginous
matter; also that the rocks consisted of grey standstone and
slate resting indirectly upon Silurian limestone which forms
the Sierra del Pedernal".
It would also seem that Doctor Brachenbusch was made to
say that he had found the fossils Archaeocalamites radiatus,
(BRGT.) STUR, Lepidodendron SP. (of the group of the L.
Volkmannianum STBG.), and a new section of Cardiopteris,
and for this and other reasons, Doctor Berg desired to prove
that the deposit of carbon "at Retamito" belongs to the car-
boniferous formation i. e., it must be understood that he meant
the great carboniferous formation in which the largest amount
of coal occurs in Europe.
However, the evidence brought forward is not sufficient to
prove the case, for the important reason that there is a long
list of characteristic fossils, both flora and fauna, not found at
the mines to which Doctors Berg and Brackenbusch refer
at Retamito.
The formation of rocks in which the greatest body of coal is
found in England and the United States, known as the great
carboniferous formation, and located between the Devonian
and Permian, has, in Great Britain, a thickness of 5000 feet,
and in the United States of North America from 1000 to 14,000
feet, consisting generally of a serie of greyish compact sands-
tone beds with alternate beds of coal shale and indurate clay,
and in this great period of carbonaceous deposits there exists
no less than 2316 fossils of all classes, and among these there
are at least 328 land plants.
430 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Some of the leading and most characteristic fossil plants
which distinguish this period of coal measures under consi-
deration are as follows.
Pecopteris lonchitica.
Sphenopteris crenata.
Sphenopteris linearis.
Neuropteris gigantea.
Neuropteris LoshiL
Caulopteris primceva.
Lepidodendron elegans.
Lepidodendron Stembergii.
Sigillaria reniformis.
Sigillaria reniformis.
Lepidostrobus ornatus.
Stigmaria ficoides.
Asterophyllites foliosa.
Calamites approximates.
Calamites cannceformis.
Calamites mougeotii, etc., etc.
Among the eminent list of European geologists and palaeon-
ologists, Prof. Prestwich is prominent, and when referring to
the fossil remains found in the coal measures he says. "The
largest assemblage in the kingdom of the remarkable Laby-
rinthodont amphibians is found in the coal-measures of country
Kilkenny". I reland (Jarrow colliery), and that Prof. Huxley had
discovered several specimens belonging to eight genera from a
single coal mine. The smallest of these amphibians must have
been from eight to nine inches, and the largest from five to
six feet in length. Amongst them is the snake-like Ophider-
peton, the salamander-like Keraterpeton and the long-tailed
Urocordylus.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 431
Among the other species of invertebrate fauna there is a lar-
ge number, all of which are well known to mining engineers,
geologists, palaeontologists and other scientists. The various
writers who have, therefore, endeavoured to prove that the
carbonaceous deposit at Retamito belongs to the great carbo-
niferous period have not, in the opinion of the writer, proved
their case.
However, there is one door of escape, and that is to prove
that the greater portion of the carboniferous rocks which
might have existed at Retamito have been denuded and car-
ried away, and that which remains is only a small portion of
that formation.
The same principle will hold good in regard to all the other
places in this Republic where the great period of coal
measures are supposed to exist.
From the data which precedes, it is evident that there exist
in various parts of this country carboniferous deposits already
discovered of a sufficiently good quality for a variety of uses,
more especially in or near to the neighbourhood where they
are found. Some of the coal deposits could be utilized for
smelting purposes, and others for as; but the value of any of
these deposits would depend upon the thickness of the beds
of coal, and the area or extension over which they exist. In
some cases these conditions also have been proved to be
favourable, so much so that a formal exploitation would be
justified.
Nevertheless, it has not been proved that any of the carbo-
naceous deposits belong to the great carboniferous period,
the position of which in the series of strata has been formerly
indicated. In point of fact, the writer firmly believes that that
period has not as yet been discovered.
At the same time he is highly of opinion that, from scientific
and practical examinations carried on by him in various parts
of the country, it does exist in the Republic.
432 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
His Excellencey, the Minister of Agriculture, Commerce and
Industries, Doctor Wenceslao Escalante, has initiated perfora-
tions in various parts of the country for the discovery of coal
and mineral water springs.
However, in other countries, coal of great commercial value
has been found in various parts of the newer formations above
the Permian rocks, and the writer is convinced that the
known carbonaceous deposits of the country may be referred
to one or other of these.
The great point, therefore, is to procure capital for the object
of exploiting the coal mines already discovered and to utilize
it in the creation of an industry i. e., for the reduction of the
various classes of metalliferous minerals so plentifully distri-
buted throughout the vast extension of this country.
It is also true that coal may not exist always in likely places,
or where it may be expected: on the country, however, it may
exist in some of the most unlikely localities. The late Doctor
Brackenbusch was, therefore, right when he referred to the
Retamito fossils and deposit of coal as being a "mystification
and that the remains of the vegetable fossils could have been
artificially carried and deposited at the place referred to".
In proof of what has already been stated the writer offers
the following curious circumstance.
When at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893, he inspected va-
rious geological sections of the coal bassin of San Jeronimo,
in Brazil, and he was surprised to find that this coal formation
was marked on the sections as resting upon a granitic forma-
tion, the argillaceous matter between the coal bed and the
granite appearing to he very thin. The writer considered that
some error existed, but on further examination he found that
the section represented more than a single coal basin, but in
continous order, exhibiting the same kind of formation in all
of them.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 433
Now, it is generally acknowledged that during the great
carboniferous period, inmense forests of trees of gigantic size
existed, as also innumerable plants, and the death of these and
their transformation resulted in the formation of coal beds
more or less thick, according to the extent of the forestal pro-
duction.
The thickness of the successive beds of coal in England
ranges from 2 to 30 feet in thickness, but the more general are
from 3 to 6 feet.
In North America, the beds of coal range from 2 to 20 feet
in thickness.
In Nueva Escocia there exist beds of coal from 12 to 38
feet in thickness, therefore the enormous mass of vegetation
which produced material for these coal beds must have been
phenomenal and must have continued growing in an aug-
mented soil of great thickness.
Now, we do not apprehend that a granitic formation of-
ferred suitable conditions for the support of such an enormous
vegetable production and, consequently we cannot but infer
that the thin carbonaceous matter under the bed of coal and
the matter forming the coal bed itself at San Jeronimo was
transported from another locality and deposited in the place
where it is now found.
The writer has entered into this question at some length
but it has a great scientific and practical interest, and may
prove of service in searching for coal deposits in the country.
The depth of the carboniferous series of rocks from a
known zone depends upon a variety of circumstances,
chiefly, whether the entire formations are in the proper order
of superposition, conformable the one to the other, and whet-
ter either is absent from the series or has been denuded before
the succeeding ones were deposited.
The writer intended to give a sketch of the studies of
434
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
various geologists such as D'Orbigny, Bravard, Burmeister,
Aguirre, Berg, Brackenbusch, Doering, Moreno, Valentine,
Ameghino, Bodenbender, Haiithal and others, as also of
the geology of the country itself, but he found the time at
his disposal was much too short to permit the subjects to he
treated in a fair and comprehensive manner; but he proposes
to enter upon these matters at a future period.
CHAPTER XXVI
General Observations and Data
In the name of the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce and
Industry of the National Government, the writer was commis-
sioned to solicit the co-operation of the Provincial Govern-
ments and of the Governors of the various National Territories,
in order that a proper and dignified official representation of
the mining resources of the Republic should be made at the
Saint Louis Exhibition in 1904, and for this object the National
Offices of Mines and Geology passed circular notes soliciting
information upon the state of the mining and metallurgical
industries within the jurisdiction of each of these authorities.
However, it appears that as the writer had formerly sug-
gested to the Ministry the necessity of procuring the mineral
statistics of the country, various of the provinces had forwarded
reports, and probably this circumstance led to the belief that
there was no need of supplying additional data.
Be that as it may, the writer did not find in them such details
as he needed for the present work.
The governors of the province of Catamarca and Salta, and
of the National Territories of Misiones and Chubut complied
436 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
in the most affable manner with the indications of the writer
and forwarded to him reports referring to the mines within
their respective jurisdiction.
Province of La Rioja
Mr. William A. Treloar, the gentleman previously referred
to, at the request of the writer initiated inquiries in all
parts of this province, and presented a mass of valuable infor-
mation.
The General Agent of "The Famatina Development Cor-
poration Limited", Mr. Dangerfield, of Chilecito, also supplied
information referring to the mines under exploitation by his
Company which, together with the printed reports referring to
the general state of the Company's affairs, enabled the writer
to give some special information, which will be found in
Chapter XXIII, upon metallurgy. After that chapter was prin-
ted, the writer received further information from Mr. Danger-
field as follows. "The work of the mines up to the present has
been principally of a developing nature, and we have driven
some 800 metres with the idea of putting as much ore in sight
as possible, so that when the Rope way is completed we may
be in a position to at once deliver ore to it". "No attempt has
been made to exploit mineral with a view of realising commer-
cially; but we have sent down some 1000 tons of picked ore
from selected mines as a sample. For mule transport to Chi-
lecito we paid 13 dollars per ton and 1'49 dollars paper
per ton railway freight to Vichigasta smelting works (Pata-
yaco).
The sample of 1000 tons referred to above has been smel
ted in Patayaco, and cost 24 paper dollars per ton to smelt.
The crude mineral treated so far varies very much: the
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 437
average being (for this picked ore) 7 i % copper, 70 gram-
mes of silver per mil kilos, and 18 grammes of gold per mil
kilos.
The matte produced averages 53 % copper, 4'48 per mil
silver and 0'127 per mil kilos of gold. Railway freight on matte
to Rosario $ 34-15, and Ocean freight 18s/ — . We have no
information as to sales as yet".
Aerial Ropeway:
The Railway to Chilecito placed this province in a diffe-
rent position to what it had some years since, but it did not
facilitate the transport of the minerals from the mountain
regions to the smelting works situated at lower levels, conse-
quently, the National Government, with its usual liberality to
the provinces, commissioned some of the Civil Engineering
staff to make a study in the mountain regions with a view of
installing there a better system of transport. This was effected
and tenders offered for the construction of an aerial rope
transport line.
To effect this object the contractors offered high wages
for workmen, which has attracted many of the miners who
were employed in the copper mines belonging to "The
Famatina Development Corporation, Limited". Out of 300
miners formerly employed by it, the number has been so
reduced that the Company has not a sufficient number of men
to protect the mines according to the previsions of the law,
and for this reason the general agent, Mr. Dangerfield, peti-
tioned the National Government to grant a prorogation of the
effects of the law. This matter was referred to the writer for
technical opinion, and he recommended that the petition
should be favourably considered.
438 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Province of Catamarca
In order to obtain additional data referring to the present
condition of mining in the Capillitas district, situated in this
province, the writer communicated with the well known mining
pioneer, Mr. Samuel Lafone Quevedo who kindly supplied
valuable information and, also, used his influence with the new
Capillitas Copper Company (London) soliciting data referring
to its mining operations, and in consequence the General
Managing Mining Engineer of the Company, Mr. A. Slack, was
good enough to forward data and a printed report of the
Company's workings as, also, drawings of the aerial ropeway
now in construction from the mines to the new Establishment
of Fundition. The writer has, consequently, been able to in-
clude in this work the latest information obtainable referring
to the mining industry in this province.
The aerial cable line will have a length of 25 i kilometres,
with a total fall of 1787 metres.
It is on the running rope system, and will be constructed in
five sections, with four angle stations of about 163° each.
The capacity of this rope transport line is intended to carry
100 tons of mineral per day of 10 hours, but it is to be cons-
tructed for a maximum of 300 tons daily. It will be loaded
from the mine floors, and will be discharged directly into the
smelting bins. The contract has been placed in the hands of
Messrs. Bullivant & C.°, Limited, London and the first ship-
ment of materials was made in January of this year.
Supposing that the thorough development of the Capillitas
mines and others, were to exceed 300 tons per day, arrange-
ments could be made to work the aerial ropeway two or mo-
re shifts, one by day and the other by night, so that no diffi-
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
439
culty could occur, and this would give rise to the development
of other mines.
Gold Mines Belonging to Doctor Adolfo Cano & Co.
The government has recently conceeded to this company
auriferous quartz mines in the Cerro of Culampajal, in the
Department of Belen. These mines were in concession in
1888 but were not exploited in a proper form for the want
of capital.
The gold mines now conceded are called "Descubridora",
"Carmen", "Antmas", "Sarab" and "Rosarlo". The quartz is
described as being whitish and dotted about with specks of
gold.
The "Descubridora", is said to have been exploited by the
Jesuits and others, the workings having attained a depth of
Q5 metres measured upon the inclination of the vein. When
last visited by the owners water had infiltrated into the mine-
Three of these mines have been worked to depths of 10, 15
and 50 metres respectively.
Minerals extracted from the mines have yielded at the rate
of from 45 to 120 grammes of gold per ton. Selected ores,
assayed in Buenos Aires, yielded 230 grammes of gold per
ton.
In the general collection of minerals which the writer exhi-
bited at the Chicago Exhibition in 18Q3, were samples of gold
ores from the mines of Doctor Cano, and that gentleman
received an award for his exhibit.
The mines "Carmen", "Animas", "Anciana" and "Sahara"
have yielded at the rate of from 45 to 130 grammes of gold
per ton. The thickness of the veins of mineral ranges from
40 to 75 centimetres.
440 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
According to the report of Doctor Cano, there exists near to
the "Carmen", a gold placer, similar to that of the Rinconada
of the province of Jujuy, which could be exploited to great
advantage, and water could be obtained from a stream situa-
ted at a distance of from one to two kilometres.
The same gentleman states that in the valley or gorges of
Culampajal, there exists a sufficient quantity of wood which
could be utilized for smelting ores.
Province of San Juan
Unfortunately no more generel information could be given
of the mining industry of this province than that to be found
in the Chapters N.° II and XI.
The mines of gold worked there by Mr. F. Sabattie have
been referred to. From information which he has recently
supplied, it appears that he possesses six mines in the district
of Castafio Nuevo; but he has directed more attention to the
development of a vein of mineral in the gold mine "San Anto-
nio", which gives an average yield of 600 grammes of silver
and 60 grammes of gold per ton. The battery he formerly
employed only consisted of two stamp heads of 550 Ibs. each,
and in combination with the cyanide process he obtained
monthly about 20 kilos of silver and 2 kilos of gold.
He has recently purchased a new stamp mill with five heads
of 1000 Ibs. each, which will be worked by a 50 horse power
turbine. With this additional machinery he expects to treat
10 tons of mineral per day.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 441
River Bed Explorations
Recently several parties interested in discovering alluvial
gold washings have come to this country from Australia and
New Zealand, and some of these gentlemen attracted a good
deal of public attention, propositions being made by them to
form syndicates and companies for the object of exploiting the
auriferous sands found alongside the rivers, and in the river
beds themselves. Naturally when notices, of this kind are
given of such operations there is always, according to the
daily papers, a new discovery.
It appears that a company was formed called the Campa-
nia Rio San Juan de Oro, to exploit alluvial Sands situated
in the south of Bolivia, and as the river of the above name
is situated to the north of the province of Salta it is not
improbable that the auriferous sand deposits may extend into
that province; as formerly indicated.
Applications for gold concessions were also made to the
Ministry of Agriculture to dredge the river Negro and others
in the southern National territory of the Republic, and when
these came to the Offices of Mines to be reported upon, it
was found that the applications were not clearly defined.
The parties were, therefore, requested to explain their
intentions and ideas in a more concise form; but up to date,
this order has not been complied with.
Other similar propositions to dredge in different river beds
have been made, but the writer has no reliable data as to the
proceedings.
Railway and Other Means of Transport
We have already given a notice of the aerial rope line of
transport, which the Capillitas Company is about to con-
442
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
struct, in a former chapter, but it will not be so difficult and
costly as the one now in course of construction by the Natio-
nal Government from Chilecito to the station near to the
Mejicana mines in the province of La Rioja.
A survey of the route from Chilecito to the Mejicana district
was as previously noticed made by a commission of Civil
Engineers belonging to the Ministry of Public Works, and
Mr. Juan J. Shereden Russell, before mentioned was an active
member of that commission.
He was afterwards commissioned to examine the route and
works required to be made. It is constructed at the expense
of the National Government and is estimated to cost 850,000
dollars gold, or £ 168,650.
I
Section of Aerial Transport Line
The total distance of this rope transport line from the first
station at Chilecito to the last near the Mejicana district is divi-
ded into 8 sections, the distance of each, and their heights
above sea level, are exhibited in the following table.
Height in
Metres
Distance in
Kilometres
Horizontal
Angles Between
Each pair of
Sectional Lines
Difference of
Level Between
the
Stations
Upulungos . . .
4603-58
34-329
.
Bayos
4371-44
30-878
149
231-94
Calderita Nueva. .
3910-91
27-805
160
460-53
Celito
3244-00
25-538
163
666-91
Cuevas de Romero.
2689-42
23-592
169
554-58
Rodeo de las Vacas.
2539-66
20497
175
149-76
Parron
1974-48
17-448
167
565-18
Kilometro 9 . . .
1539-43
8-957
178
435-05
Chilecito . . . .
1075-60
o-ooo
—
463-83
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 443
The total distance amounts to 34'32Q kilometres and height
to 4603*58 metres, the difference of level between the two
extreme ends of the line amounting to 3527'98 metres. All
these heights are referred to sea level. It is proposed to
place a motive power between each alternate pair of
stations.
This aerial line will be administered by the National Govern-
ment and if the charge of transport should be fixed at the rate
of $ 10 per ton, it would be greatly in favour of the miners;
but the profit to be derived to the government is a question
which depends upon so many circumstances that an estimate
cannot now be given.
This transport line and that referred to in the province of
Catamarca are the only ones of the class in the Republic and
whether the government will decide to apply this system of
transport in the other mining regions, is a matter for future
consideration and discussion.
Mule Transport
This is the general system employed throughout the coun-
try for the transport of minerals from the various mining regions,
and the charge per ton and per kilometre varies according to
the difficulties and distance to be overcome, as, also, upon
the resources and facilities which exist for labour and main-
tenance.
Mules vary in quality as well as in price in different parts of
the Republic; but good ones may be purchased at the rate of
60 paper dollars each, and Mr. A. Flajollet, to whom the writer
is obliged for information, made a six days journey from
Salta to a place called Siberia in the National Territory of the
Andes, and he says that he paid 1 V* paper dollars per day
for each mule including maintenance.
444
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Prof. Juan B. Ambrosetti, Inspector of Mines, in the Natio-
nal Offices ot Mines and Geology was commissioned to
form part of a govenment exploring expedition to the borate
of lime district of Caurchari, Territory of the Andes, and on his
return presented to the writer a very extensive and interesting
official report. He also states that a good mule can he hired
and maintained for 1 l/2 paper dollars per day.
In such difficult places of access as that referred to, it is
necessary to employ extra mules for the object of transport-
ing all that is required for the maintenance of the personal
and animals depending, naturally, upon the distance to be
traversed, and time occupied in exploring.
National Territory of Chubut
In Chapter XX, page 340, mention has been made of the Salt
company in the Peninsula Valdez, but when it was written no
analysis of the salt was at hand, however, further inquiry
induced the company to furnish the following comparative
analysis.
NATURE OF ELEMENTS
Cadiz salt
(Spain)
Salt of Ibiza
(Spain)
Salt of
Torres Vieja
(Spain)
Salt from Pe-
ninsula Valdez
(Argent. Rep.)
Matter, insoluble in water
Water
0-3880
T'1140
0-3400
5-9000
0-0320
2-5000
0-0200
1-8000
Oxide of Calcium . . .
Oxide of Magnesia . .
Sulphuric Acid . . .
Chloride of Sodium .
0-0160
0-0972
0-3819
92-0982
0-0224
01080
0-6517
92-9757
0-0110
traces
0-5280
96-8942
0-0566
traces
0-0411
98-0616
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 445
These analysis were made by Dr. Lavalle in 1Q02.
It will be observed that the Chubut salt is superior to any of
the well known salts of Spain.
National Territory of Santa Cruz
The salt mines referred to in Chapter XXI, page 343, be-
longing to Messrs. L. Parmeggiani & Company, are situated
inland at a distance of about 7 leagues from the port of Cabo
Blanco, on the Patagonian coast, 1000 miles from Buenos
Aires.
During the winter season the so-called mines form a saline
lake extending over an area of 1000 square hectares, but when
the hot weather commences, the water of the lake evaporates
leaving the place it occupied quite dry in about the month of
December, and remains in that condition until May and June
when the rainy season again fills the lake.
The salt is deposited during the dry season over the
entire area, and is broken and placed in heaps upon the
surface.
It is submitted to atmosperic action and becomes more or
less purified according to the duration of exposure.
The salt has a brillant whiteness and may be immediately
despatched to the market.
Each workman can extract from the deposited salt bed about
7 tons per day, so that only a comparatively small number
of employees are necessary and, consequently, the cost of
exploitation is small.
The Company reports that during a period of two months
30,000 tons of Salt has been extracted.
When the lake is filled, the water becomes strongly im-
pregnated with salt, so that it is an inexhaustible salt mine
446 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
The Company has a Decauville railway from the lake to the
coast, so that any amount of salt can be transported.
The following analysis of the salt, made in 1902, sulffices to
establish its quality:
Water 1-Q802 °/0
Organic matter traces '
Sand 0-2052 "
Chloride of sodium 95'6955 "
Sulphate of calcium 1'3212 "
" magnesia .... 0-1655 "
Chloride " " .... 0'3250 "
Other impurities such as silica,
iron, alumina and loss. . . . 0'3294 "
The above analysis was made in the National Offices of
Chemistry, Buenos Aires, and it is asserted that it was made
from a sample of crude salt before it was purified.
The port of Cabo Blanco is beautifully situated and shelter-
ed from all winds, having the form of a horse-shoe with a
width of 700 metres and 1000 metres long, or inland from the
sea. It has a depth of water from 20 to 50 metres so that it
offers every facility and protection.
There are two services of steamers entering this port from
Hamburg, as also Transports of the National Navy. The salt
is also transported in sailing ships.
There is a national telegraph office in this port so that con-
tinual communication is made with the capital.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 447
Province of Mendoza
The mine "Esperanza" is situated in the mining district of
La Cortaderita, and at a distance of about 14 kilometres in a
western direction. It appears to belong to Dr. Salas and is
located at an altitude of 2500 metres above sea level. The vein
of mineral is thin not having more than 0*25 centimetres of
thickness, and is described as a mineral containing sulphide of
lead with chloride of silver in a ferruginous base, but it also
contains a much larger quantity of oxide of manganese than
it does of iron.
The occurrence of silver in manganese ore is not common
in this country, neither is it abundant in others where it has
occurred in the United States and Mexico.
This ore has, however, another curious and rare feature, and
that is, that it contains visible gold in specks and filaments, but
the gold does not appear to be disseminated throughout the
samples in equal quantities.
However, a sample in the possession of the writer, exhibits
a large quantity of gold at sight and in the form of bunches.
The colour of the ore is black, not very compact and more
inclined to be spungy. No doubt the greater part of the gold
is disseminated thoughout the mass in a fine invisible powde-
red condition.
Various samples of this mineral were sent to the National
Mint to be assayed by Dr. Kyle, a complete assay of which he
published in the "Anales de la Sociedad Cientifica Argentina",
tomo XLVII, p.p. 143 and following, a copy of which is repro-
duced as follows:
448
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Water in combination.
Dioxide of manganese.
Protoxide of manganese
Oxide of zinc . . .
Ferric oxide ....
Oxide of calcium . .
Chloride of silver .
7-340
72910|
7-740 i
0-800
3-700
2-000
0-822J
Gold 0-004
Antimony 0*419
Lead 0*546
Sulphur 0*247
Silica 3-400
manganese 52-02
silver 0*624
chlorine 0*198
99-928
Dr. Kyle says that from the analysis it is seen that the mine-
ral obtained from the mine "Esperanza" is very complex, the
vein being formed principally of anhydrous and hydrous
oxide of manganese, but a little ferruginous, carrying in a
mixed form small quantities of sulphur, lead, antimony, zinc,
silver and gold. He adds that he has determined that some of
the samples of ore from the mineral vein have yielded silver
as high as from 1"3 to 1*5 per cent.
This is a very curious as well as interesting class of mineral
and may be considered to be of rare occurrence.
Province of Jujuy
The Rinconada Exploring Syndicate Limited, with offices at
96 Bishopsgate street, London, has been previously referred to
in Chapter IX, page 223 The engineer of the Syndicate, Mr.
Florence O'Driscoll has minutely examined this part of the
country; but he says 'This Report will be peculiar in its na-
ture, because it cannot be definite; it will be merely the sketchy
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 44Q
impression of a whole country side, which can best be proved
by actual work; for I think the results, were they set out, of
the little sampling that was possible, might lead to erroneous
conclusions. I am of opinion that work properly directed will
not only do the sampling and prospecting, but also bring in
returns, in some cases perhaps not sufficient to pay expenses,
in others a handsome profit.
I cannot express to you in a definite figure the size of the
actual prospecting concessions, but they exceed 120,000
acres, dotted here and there over a tract of country exceeding
one million acres in extent, all of which you could also pros-
pect were it possible or expedient. The greater part lies in a
wild, unprospected and unsurveyed country, some 12,000 to
15,000 feet above sea level. My journey through that region
was a more or less continuous mule ride, and occupied 43
days, from the 27th June to the 9th August last". (1Q03).
"In the main this country is metalliferous. I examined in
detail almost every known vein and reef that had been opened
out and prospected for the past twenty or twenty-five years.
Indeed my examinations went much further than this, for some
of the veins I saw were reputed to have been opened out by
Spaniards 200 to 300 years ago, and others were stated by the
Indians to be workings left by the Incas".
Further on in his Report the Engineer states "Here you
must be alluvial miners, and in my opinion there is a large field
open to you where with very little capital, an early return may
be obtained and where, if the result of a small syndicate
work proves the ground to be valuable, there are alluvial de-
posits large enough to establish works on a large scale".
Discussing the results of former explorations effected by
"Engineers and 200 to 300 workmen ", Mr. O'Driscoll says.
"Personally I am of opinion that if this alluvial wash holds one
tenth of what it is reputed to contain, there will be fortune
450
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
enough for half-a-dozen prospecting companies in the Aje-
drez concessions alone".
Again, referring to some workings on a small scale, it is
further stated "that for every dollar expended, about two do-
llars worth was calculated", and, also, that "ten men collec-
ted gold to the value of £ 140 per month ".
This report is very interesting, and is an exceptionally prac-
tical one. A large region examined is described as consisting
of slate, but it is stated that no fossils could be found.
It is highly probable that this slate formation belongs to the
lower Silurian period.
Another Company, or Syndicate, in which Messrs. Tetley
and Moncrieff are concerned, seem to have in hand the explo-
ration of auriferous deposits, also, upon the Orosmayo, Santa
Catalina and other districts, and the results appear to have
been so satisfactory that is stated that they have been induced
to import a dredging machine.
Analysis of Mineral Waters of The Republic
As a certain amount of interest is now being taken in the
question of mineral waters which may be obtained from sub-
terraneous springs, the writer considers that it would be of
general interest to give a short notice upon what has been
already achieved during many years in the past, and the prin-
cipal work upon this question is that published in the "Anales
de la Sociedad Cientifica Argentina" Vol. XLIH,b y Dr. J. J. J.
Kyle.
The memoria consists of 41 pages, 28 of which consist of
Tables of an exceedingly large number of complete analysis
of the mineral waters of the Republic. The immense amount
of labour devoted to this study over many years, and value o
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
451
the determinations cannot he over estimated, and their great
importance ought to be more widely known. In fact, the data
afforded by the publication referred to proves to a demonstra-
tion that the mineral waters already discovered and their qua-
lities thus made known, are sufficient for all practical purposes
in the Republic and leaves nothing to be desired. The only
thing needed is the practical utilization of the mineral waters
with a view of benefiting the exploiters and the Nation at
large.
There is a wide field open to persons who may be disposed
to invert capital in undertakings of this nature which must of
necessity yield sufficiently large returns.
Coal Deposits in The Argentine Republic
When treating of the many analysis which have been made
over a long series of years of the Argentine coal treated in
Chapter XXIV of this work, it was omitted to be noted tha
the heating power of the coal samples in each case was deter-
mined by the method of Berthier, which mode has been em-
ployed for many years throughout the world, and even to day
some of the most noted and experienced metallurgical Che-
mists prefer it because it represents the results sufficiently
close which may be obtained in practical working upon a
large scale.
The modes of determining the heating power of coal by the
instrument called Calorimetre, has been long known in Eng-
land, especially the instrument of that class invented many
years since by Thompson. This instrument, and others are
employed largely in Great Britain. The French type instrument
or Calorimetre is used in the same form.
This instrument may be found illustrated in various English
and French works upon Chemistry.
452 MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
What may be deduced from all that has been advanced
upon the coal question of this Republic, is the practical uti-
lization of the carbonaceous deposits which have already been
discovered for such a long period, and for this it is necessary
to induce capitalists to develope this important industry.
Mineral Statistics
Due to economic reasons the National Congress has for a
considerable time past ceased to vote special funds for a
detailed inspection of the mines of the Republic, and conse-
quently, the National Offices of mines and geology, possessed
no returns of the annual production of the mines.
Besides, the provincial governments have no special orga-
nised legal mode of compelling the mining companies and
miners to supply periodically, mining statistics, and, for
these reasons, neither the National or Provincial governments
possess data by which to determine the exact value of the
annual produce of the mines of the country. However, were
it known to be comparatively small in amount, it could not
be taken as a measure of the great importance the mining
industry could have in the future.
In order to raise the mining and metallurgical industries of
this country to a high and flourishing condition, such as it
exists in the older countries of the mining world, it is absolu-
tely necessary to stimulate it in all possible legitimate forms
and by an honourable propaganda, induce the introduction
of foreign capital.
It is certain that recently a new impulse has been given to
mining, by the introduction of various strong English Compa-
nies, and no doubt other companies will follow the initiative.
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 453
There exists in this country a wide field for the profitable
employment of capital.
Personal
The writer desires to express his high sense of the patronage
and uniform kindness which he has received from the various
Presidents of the Republic, from the time of His Excellency Te-
niente General Julio A. Roca (1886) up to the present, their
various successive Ministers, Secretaries of State, Senators and
Deputies of the National Congress, Professors in the Univer-
sities, political and other social friends during a period of 21
years residence in this country, 18 of which the writer has had
the honour to occupy the position of chief advising and acting
mining Engineer to the National Government.
Of his more immediate official friends the writer is desirous
to render his thanks to Doctor Carlos Ibarguren, Engineer
Segui, Doctor Federico Cibils, Doctor Torino, Doctor J.J.J.
Kyle, Doctor Galarce, Engineer Eusebio E. Garcia, other
chiefs of public offices, Editors and other members of the
press of Buenos Aires from all of whom he has received the
greatest kindness, attention and support.
The writer also presents his acknowledgement and thanks
to all those gentlemen whose names appear in the body of
this work who hare given information and assistance, as also
to a large list of other friends too numerous to be enumerated;
but, at the same time, he cannot refrain from noticing and
thanking the first mining Engineer of the National Offices of
Mines and Geology, Mr. Carlos A. Lines Hoskold, for his
colaboration in this, as in various other scientific works pu-
blished by the author.
APPENDIX
CATALOGUE OF THE OFFICIAL COLLECTION OF MINERALS
FROM THE MINES
OF THE
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
AND SENT TO THE
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ST. LOUIS
UXITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA
1904
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
457
fc X
If'
z"5
_ -
If
ZID
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
IS
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
32 a
32
34
35
3(
3'
1<
Enargite, famatinite, green carbonate of
copper
Verdiona
Upulungos
Verdiona
Upulungos
Sto. Toribio
Upulungos
Upulungos
Upulungos
Mejicana
Mejicana
Mejicana
Rioja
Enargite, famatinite, green carbonate, chal-
copyrite ...
Enargite, famatinite, green carbonate . .
Enargite, malachite, chalcopyrite. . . .
Enargite, chalcopyrite, green carbonate .
Enargite, famatinite, chalcopyrite, green
carbonate
Enargite, chalcopyrite, famatinite. . . .
» malachite, » ....
> chalcopyrite, ^ ....
» malachite, famatinite.
Chalcopyrite, enargite, famatinite. . . .
Enargite, famatinite, chalcopyrite, green
carbonate
Enargite, chalcopyrite
» » green carbonate of
copper
Enargite crystalized, famatinite, chalcopy-
rite, green carbonate and sulphate of
copper
Enargite, famatinite, green carbonate, chal-
copyrite. . .
Enargite crystalized, chalcopyrite, green
Enargite, chalcopyrite
» famatinite, green carbonate, chal
Enargite crystalized, chalcopyrite, green
Enargite, chalcopyrite, famatinite. . .
> » » \vitl
green carbonate and sulphate of copper
Enargite, chalcopyrite, malachite. . .
> green carbonate
23 large samples of enargite, chalcopyrite
etc., from the mines of seiior Koch .
nargi e c a c p> ^
Enargite crystalized, famatinite, chalcopy
, > green carbonate,
i » rrvstalized .
458
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
•2 °
z°
t- «•>
•Sf
= 5
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
Enargite, chalcopyrite.
famatinite .
Upulungos
famatinite
chalcopyrite . . .
chalcopyrite
crystalized
chalcopyrite, malachite . .
famatinite. chalcopyrite. . . .
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
5ft
57
58
59
60 » with green carbonate .... Mellizas
61 chalcopy-
rite, quartz
62 Enargite, famatinite, chalcopyrite. . . .
63 » ....
64 »» » with sul
phate of copper . . ;
65 Enargite, famatinite, calcopyrite ....
66
67
68 » carbonate, pyrites of copper . . San Pedro
69 » crystalized, famatinite, chalco
pyrite
70 Enargite, famatinite, chalcopyrite. . . .
71 » crystalized, famatinite, chalcopyrite.
72
73
74
75
with sulphate
76 Enargite crystalized, famatinite, chalco-
pyrite
77 Enargite crystalized, famatinite, chalco
pyrite ,
78 Enargite, chalcopyrite Andueza
79 » » green carbonate. .
80 » crystalized, famatinite, green car-
bonate
81 Enargite crystalized, famatinite, green car-
bonate ...
82 Enargite crystalized, famatinite, chalcopy-
rite .
District
Mejicana
Province
Rioja
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
459
lilt
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
96
97
M
09
100
10!
102
103
104
105
106
107
10S
100
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
US
119
District
Province
Enargite crystal ized
» chalcopyrite . .
» famatinite, copper pyrites, gren
carbonate
Enargite crystalized, famatinite, chalco
pyrite . . .
OBSERVATION: All the samples of mine
ral from N.° 1 to N.° 95, are high in per
centage of copper, and also contain gold
and silver in more or less quantity.
Carbonates, mixed with cuprite, ochre
silver.
Pyrite and oligistic iron ore containing
gold
Pyrite and oligistic iron ore containing
carbonate of copper carrying gold . .
Oligistic iron ore with pyrites containing
gold
Cerussa (carbonate of lead).
San Pedro
Verdiona
Various
San Diego
Mej icana
Rioja
El oro
Sanagasta
460
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Number
of box
Number
of sample
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
6
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
Melaconite (black oxide of copper), enar-
gite, green carbonate
Argentina
San Pedro
Sto. Dom'go
Puerto
San Andres
Atahualpa
San Pedro
Sto. Dom'go
Infierno
Esperanza
San Pedro
Sto. Dom'go
San Andres
San Miguel
San Pedro
Sta. Teresa
San Miguel
Sto. Dom'go
San Andres
Sto. Dom'go
Mejicana
Cerro Negro
Tigre
Cerro Negro
Caldera
Cerro Negro
Tigre
Cerro Negro
Tigre
Cerro Negro
Rio-a
Enargite, chalcopyrite, black oxide of
cooper .
Native and sulphide of silver, blende . .
Sulphide of silver, blende, quartz. . . .
» » quartz, iron . . . .
Native silver, sulphide, blende, quartz. .
Sulphide of silver
Ruby silver, sulphide, blende, quartz . .
Sulphide and native silver, blende, quartz
Sulphide of silver, quartz. . ...
» » » blende, quartz . . . .
» * » » *
» » » charcopyrite
» » » blende, quartz . . . .
» » » quartz
» and native silver
» » » » blende . . .
Sulphide of silver, blende
» » » »
» » » > quartz . . .
» » silver, blende .
» with dark ruby silver (kerargyrite)
Sulphide of silver, blende
» » » quartz
» » » quartz
» » » light ruby silver (pro-
ustite) blende
Sulphide of silver, quartz
>
» » > blende
Limonite containing native and sulphide of
silver ...
Limonite containing native and sulphide of
silver. .
Sulphide of silver, limonite, blende . . .
» and bromide of silver, ochre. .
Native and sulphide of silver, ochre. . .
Native silver .
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
461
SJ X
— O
= —
1 =
i)
i- —
-* ~
"= 5
0
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
168
169
Argentite, native silver, ochre ....
Peregrina
Cerro Negro
Rioja
170
171
Native and sulphide of silver
St. Domingo
—
—
172
' ' ' '
and quartz. ... . ....
173
174
Native and sulphide of silver, blende . .
» silver ... . ,
—
—
—
17")
» and sulphide of silver . . . .
—
—
—
176
Sulphide of silver in quartz
—
—
—
177
Native and sulphide of silver, blende,
quartz
_
178
17Q
180
181
182
Sulphide of silver, blende, quartz . . .
» and bromide of silver, blende. .
Argentite, ruby silver (proustite) blende.
Sulphide of silver
Puerto
Peregrina
—
z
183
Argentite
184
Sulphide of silver
185
186
» » » blende, limonite . .
Native and sulphide of silver
—
—
—
187
Sulphide of silver . .
188
189
Native and sulphide of silver, blende. .
Proustite, sulphide of silver
—
—
—
1QO
Ruby silver crystal ized
—
191
Crystalized ruby silver
_
—
192
193
194
> » and sulphide . . .
Pyrargyrite, and sulphide of silver . . .
Proustite, or light red ruby silver and
sulphide
—
—
—
195
Proustite, or light red ruby silver and
sulphide
7
8
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
Light red ruby silver, sulphide, quartz. ,
Dark » » . .
Regulus containing copper, silver, gold.
> » » » >
> » » > »
Matte containing copper, gold and silver
from the Establishment at Chilecito . .
—
Chilecito
—
462
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Number
of box
53 e.
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
216
Matte containing copper, gold silver from
the Establishment at Chilecito ....
— •
Chilecito
Rioja
217
» > >
—
—
—
218
» , .
—
—
—
219
> > >
—
—
—
220
» » »
—
—
—
221
Ferruginous conglomerate containing gold
Piedras
Grandes
Mejicana
—
222
» » . » »
—
—
—
223
» » »
—
—
—
224
» » .
—
—
—
225
» »
—
—
—
226
» » »
—
—
—
227
, , , > >
—
—
228
» » » » *
—
—
—
229
» » » » »
—
—
—
230
» > » » »
—
—
—
9
231
Cuprite, malachite, limonite melaconite.
Grande
Capillitas
Catamarca
282
» » » »
—
—
233
» » » »
—
—
—
234
» » »
—
—
235
» » » »
—
—
—
—
—
—
236
—
237
Cuprite, green carbonate, ochre. . . .
—
—
—
238
» > > limonite. . .
—
—
—
239
» . . .
—
—
—
240
» . . .
—
• —
—
241
» » » . . .
—
—
—
242
» » » » . . .
—
—
—
243
> » » » . . .
—
—
244
> » » . . .
—
—
245
» . . .
—
—
—
94fi
Chalcopyrite .
- —
—
—
10
> grey copper .
Santa Clara
248
Green and blue carbonates, grey copper
cerussa quartz
—
—
—
249
Covelline, melaconite, grey copper . . .
—
—
—
250
Chalcopyrite, bornite, carbonates of copper
restauradora
Hoyada
—
9S1
Covellite bornite, melaconite
—
Capillitas
—
Cuprite melaconite, limonite
Ortiz
—
Chrysocolla cuprite, ochre
Santa Clara
—
—
254
Covelline, Chalcopyrite, grey copper . .
—
—
> melaconite, bornite
restauradora
—
—
—
256
Malachite cuprite azurite
Santa Clara
—
—
258
Cuprite, malachite, grey copper . . . .
-
—
259
» » chrysocolla . . . .
—
9fift
—
—
—
—
—
—
262
Blue and green carbonates, cuprite . . .
—
—
—
9/>"
Chalcanthite malachite, ochre
—
—
—
264
Cuprite, green carbonate, grey copper. .
—
—
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
463
Niiiiilicr
of box
v
1 =
lg
Zu_
o
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
11
12
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
198
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
307a
308
Cuprite, malachite, chalcopyrite. . . .
Santa Clara
Grande
Restaurad'ra
Grande
Restanrad'ra
—
Grande
Argentina
Restanrad'ra
Santa Clara
Romay
Argentina
Grande
Argentina
Restaurad'ra
Ortiz
Restaurad'ra
Grande
Capillitas
Romay
Capiliitas
Catamarca
Rioja
» blue and green carbonates of
copper ...
Melaconite (black oxide of copper) . . .
t
Covelline, melaconite, bornite chalcopyrite
» > » »
Melaconite » » »
Covelline » »
Chalcopyrite, covellite, bornite . . . .
Galena .
Malachite, chalcosine, hematite . . . .
Galena
Galena, cerussa, limonite . .
> » >
Chalcopyrite with spots of melaconite . .
» » . limonite, ochre . . .
Chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite ....
METALLURGY
Establishment of Fundition, Pilciau
Bar of copper bottoms containing gold
Bar of copper bottoms, 2.d class containing
r pnld and silver .
464
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Number
of box
V
If
!*
"o
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
309
Bar of copper bottoms, 2d. class, containing
gold and silver. . ...
Grande
Rio:a
310
311
Matte. 65 % of copper, with gold and
sirver. ..... ...
13
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
^9fi
First bar of iron cast in the Republic from
the iron ore mines «Romay». ...
Argentiferous galena with antimony. . .
* * * * ...
* * * ...
Auriferous quartz, carbonate of lead . .
» » chalcopyrite, iron . .
Ferrujdnosis quartz with native gold . .
Garibaldi
San Ignacio
Natividad
Cortadera
—
Cordoba
327
328
—
—
3?Q
Agua Gala
330
331
Galena, cerussite, quartz
» blende ...
Chani
—
—
332
333
Argentiferous lead with antimony . . .
Cerussite, antimony, quartz
—
334
335
Galena, antimony, pyromorphite, baryta .
Galena, baryta
Chani
Herminia
Chani
—
33fi
Ferruginous auriferous quartz
337
Galena, cerussite, antimony
Elisa
338
339
340
Ferruginous auriferous quartz
Galena, antimony, quartz
Ventanayo
—
—
341
» hematite, quartz
.
342
343
344
» malachite, limonite
Chalcopyrite, ochre .
Telhbrand
—
345
346
Blue and green carbonates of copper . .
Chalcopyrite, magnetite, etc
Tio
Calamuchita
—
347
348
Ferruginous auriferous quartz. . . .
Republicana
Rio Hondo
_
349
350
Magnetic iron ore ....
Potrero de
Anejo del
—
351
Wolfram
Loza
Norte
Calamnchita
—
352
353
Auriferous quartz, chalcopyrite . . . .
Manganiferous iron ore
R. Barrancas
Rosario
Cruz del Eje
—
354
Magnetite . ...
355
35ft
Galena, blende, pyrite, quartz . . . .
Argentiferous lead ore
Eufemia
S. Jeronimo
Minas
—
357
San Aeustin
—
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
465
'Number ol
Kox
u-i
<U C
•° E
£ ?
scr
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
35£
Chalcopyrite .
355
Galena, ceruscite, oche
Tauro
Tauro
Cordoba
36C
361
362
Crysocolla, cerussite, quartz ....
Haematite . , .
—
—
—
363
Galena, cerussa, quartz .
Dolores
—
—
364
Galena . . .
—
—
365
Galena, cerussite, quartz
—
—
366
> » »
—
367
368
Auriferous quartz . . .
Elisa
Agua Gala
—
—
369
Limonite, chalcopyrite
San Ignacio
—
14
370
371
Ferruginous auriferous quartz ....
Galena, cerussite, quartz. .
—
~
—
372
373
» chalcopyrite ....
» » ochre
Chacabuco
Q. del Toro
Salta
374
375
376
Limonitte, carbonate of iron ....
Malachite, grey copper, chalcosine . ".
Grey copper . .
—
—
377
Galena and copper
~~
378
Grey copper . . .
879
Cuprite, blue and green carbonates, chal-
cosine .
380
Cuprite, carbonates, chalcopyrite chryso-
colla . . .
381
Haematite, ochre . .
382
383
Galena, carbonate of copper cerussite . .
Galena, carbonate, of lead . .
—
—
—
384
Grey copper, chalcopyrite, chalcossine with
gold and silver ....
385
386
Galena chrysocolla, limonite and cerussite
Grey copper ....
los Cobres
—
387
Argentiferous lead
388
389
Chalcopyrite, haematite, silicate of copper.
Cuprite and haematite. . . .
—
—
390
Chalcopyrite, argentiferous lead, ferrugin-
ous quartz
391
Argentiferous lead, ochre . .
392
Grey copper
393
c » blue carbonate
A
394
Argentiferous lead
os Cobres
395
Chrysocolla, chalybite
396
Tetrahedrite, chalkosine
397
398
399
Malachite, chalkosine, grey copper quartz.
Cerussite, argentiferous lead, quartz . .
Silicate of copper and iron ......
Concordia
—
—
400
Chalkosine
401
Grey copper, galena
Concordia
402
Tetrahedrite, chalkosine
403
404
Grey copper, chalkosine
405
Tetrahedrite
Chacabuco
406
Galena, melaconite .
El Delirio
—
466
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Number of
Box
°<u
fee.
2 £
iJS
z
1
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
407
Galena, grey copper ...".....
Concordia
.Antonio de
Salta
408
409
Green carbonate, melaconite, ochre. .
Silicate of copper and iron
San Juan
os Cobres
410
Galena, chalkosine
Concordia
411
Tetrahedrite
Chacabuco
412
413
Jlue and green carbonates of copper, ochre
Galena, blue and green carbonates of cop-
per, ochre
Concordia
—
414
Chrysocolla, iron
de Octubre
415
Machite, iron , •
Milagro
416
Chrysocolla, iron
de Octubre
417
Malachite, cerussite, ochre
—
418
Silicate of copper
-._
—
419
420
Galena, grey copper
Concordia
421
» haematite, ochre ....
422
Haematite, cerussite , . ,
423
, ochre . ..,..,
424
Tetrahedrite . . ,
Chacabuco
425
15
426
427
428
429
430
Grey copper, argentiferous lead ....
Galena, grey copper, pyrites containing
Concordia
—
—
431
Galena grey copper
—
432
—
—
433
Grey copper . . . .
Chacabuco
'—
434
—
435
—
_
16
436
Galena, chalcopyrite, malachite, red ochre
«Esperanza»
Uspallata
Mendoza
437
Galena, pyrites, siderite
Florida
—
438
Chalcopyrite, ochre
—
Galena blende, siderite ... .
—
—
44
» fluor spar
—
—
S Francisco
—
—
44
44
> blende, siderite, chalcopyrite .
» haematite, cerussite ....
—
—
—
44
44
45
Galena, blende, siderite
» siderite, lime .
Galena .
—
45
Galena siderite, lime
—
—
45
45
45
» chalcopyrite ....
=
—
—
45
—
—
—
45
» haematite .
—
—
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
467
o
I_
SJ X
J= O
= 23
Z
Number Ol
Sample
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
17
IS
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
Galena siderite.
Uspallata
San Rafael
Fierro
Tontal
Castan oVi e
Salado
Fierro
Piomanta
Fierro
Gualilan
Mendoza
San Juan
,
VetaVillegas
Rosarito
Felicidad
Muy Escaso
Encantadora
Celia
Sanjuanina
Sto. Dom'go
Isaura
Carrachas
Delicias
R. Cruz
Rincon
Punlilla
Calagulla
Bicolor
C. de la Brea
, ,
, ,
» blende
,
» chalcopyrite
Coal ....
f
Argentiferous lead
Black blende
Galena, cerussite, ochre
» » blende
Galena piritosa
» ochre . .
, .,
» malachite, blende, ochre. . . .
» iron .
» cerussite, ochre
» quartz, ochre . . . .
Galena, cerussite
» malachite, quartz
Carbonate and silicate of copper ....
Malachite, chrysocolla, quartz.
Chrysocolla, haematite, quartz
Chalcopyrite, green carbonate.
Malachite, calcite
Chrysocolla, haematite, quartz
Malachite, chalcosine, iron
Malachite, cuprite, chrysocolla, limonite .
Silicate of copper and iron
Malachite, limonite, ochre, quartz . .. .
Bornite, crysocolla, haematite, quatz. . .
Chrysocolla, haematite
Fierro
Describidora
lose Cabello
Lentazon
Pizarro
Cruz
No me en-
gaiies
Gualilan
Malachite, chalkosine, grey copper, haema-
tite
Auriferous quartz, ochre
Auriferous quartz, galena, ochre ....
Malachite, limonite, with gold . . , .
Auriferous ferruginous quartz, ochre . .
» » * > . .
> » > » . .
468
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
0
<U X
.0 0
|»
2
5.2
o> e,
11
3 10
z
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
19
9
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
sse
551
555
55?
*,f><
Auriferous quartz
Carmen
Pardo
Argentina
to. Dom'go
Vicunitas
Alista
Dios proteja
Blanca
Angelita
Andacolla
Venus
Rojas
P del Norte
Tontal
Fierro
Guachi
Salado
Mondaca
Fierro
astanoViej.
Huerta
Fierro
Chita
Gualilan
Iglesia
CastanoViej.
Iglesia
Gualilan
Gualilan
Iglesia
CastaiioVie
San Juan
San Juan
» chalcopyrite ochre . .
Pyrites, blende, quartz
» » blende
Chrysocolla, chalkosine, haematite . . .
Galena, pyromorphite, cerussite ....
» > malachite
Cerussite, galena, iron
Chalcopyrite, blende, iron
» chysocolla, galena . . . •
Green and blue carbonates of copper ga-
Chalcopyrite blende, iron
Grey copper, blue carbonate, baryte . .
San Juan
Magnata
Magnata
Felicidad
Rosarito
La Estrella
Felicidad
Loca
» limonite . . . .
» > galena, quartz . .
Argentiferous lead, chalcopyrite, marcasite
Auriferous ferruginous quartz . . .
Galena, grey copper, malachite. .
Pyrite of iron, blende, ochre, quartz .
Auriferous ferruginous quartz . . .
» » » malachite
» " malachite, iron. .
Argentiferous lead, malachite, lime, quart
Chrysocolla, quartz
Chrysocolla, ochre, quartz ....
) fialena. antimony .
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
469
Number of
Box
Number of
Sample
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
61?
Galena, green and blue carbonate of cop-
per
Sanjeronimo
Chorilla
Carmen
Carmen Alto
Carmen Alto
Tontal
Gualilan
Tontal
Gualilan
Gualilan
Gualilan
Carolina
San Juan
San Luis
Galena, quartz
Antimony, quartz
Limonite
Blue and green carbonates of copper . .
Angentiferous lead, antimony ....
Malachite, iron, quartz.
Ferruginous auriferous quartz ....
Argentiferous lead, antimony.
Malachite, chrysocolla, quartz ....
Cuprite, and carbonate of copper . . .
Argentiferous iron ore, galena ....
Galena, blende, chalcopyrite. . . .
Auriferous quartz •
Argentiferous lead, cerussite .
Auriferous quartz, ochre
Pyrite of iron (auriferous)
Auriferous quartz, ochre ... .
Chrysocolla and oxide of copper . .
Galena, ochre, quartz
,
» ochre
Grey copper, carbonates, limonite . . .
Malachite, ochre
Argentiferous lead, antimony ....
Green carbonate of copper, iron. . . .
Galena, cerussite
» limonite, quartz
» »
» » »
> » »
» » »
Grey copper, pyrites quartz
Chrysocolla, limonite
,
Auriferous ferruginous quartz ....
Pyroulisite . .
Chrysocolla, malachite, haematite . . .
Manganese ore .
Chrysocolla, haematite, quartz ....
Manganese ore
Argentiferous lead, limonite
Aurifeous schist, pyrites of iron, etc. . .
Argentiferous lead, blende
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Number of
Box
Number of
Samnle
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
613
614
Auriferous schist, pyrites of iron. .
Malachite, limonite
—
—
—
?1
61 "i
Auriferous schist, pyrite
61fi
Chrisocolla, quartz
617
618
Carbonate of copper, limonite, quartz .
Auriferous schist, pyrite
—
Carolina
—
6iq
Chrysocolla, limonite, quartz
6?o
» haematite
621
> quartz
622
Malachite, limonite.
623
Haematite chrysocolla . .
624
625
6?6
Carbonate of coppei, limonite . .
Phillipsite, Chalcopyrite, chrysocolla . .
Chrysocolla, haematite.
—
—
—
6?7
Haematite, cerussite
678
» chrysocolla
629
630
631
63?
Chalcopyrite, haematite, quartz ....
Phillipsite, chrysocolla, quartz ....
Cerussite, quaatz, limonite
Galena, limonite
Piedra Balas
—
—
633
» cerussite, iron
634
635
Phillipsite, baryta . .
22
636
Auriferous pyrites of iron
637
Jujuy
638
639
640
Cuprite, carbonate of copper, chrysocolla.
Carbonates of lead and copper ....
Grey copper, pyrites .
—
—
—
641
" " , chalkosine
Jujuy
642
643
644
Bornite, covelline, Chalcopyrite. . . .
Pyrite of iron, blende, quartz ....
Pyrolusite
—
—
—
645
646
647
648
Phillipsite, carbonate of copper,chrysocolla
Sulphide of silver, blende, iron .
Cuprite, chrysocolla, oxide of iron.
Antimony
—
—
—
64Q
Azurite, malachite ....
650
» quartz
651
65?
Green and blue carbonate of copper .
Grey copper, chrisocolle .
—
—
-
653
654
655
656
Green and blue carbonates of copper .
Carbonate and silicate of copper, iron.
Blue and green carbonate, iron ....
Grey copper
—
—
—
657
Chalcopyrite, melaconita ....
658
659
Bornite, covalline, Chalcopyrite . . • .
Grey copper, chalcopyrite
—
—
—
660
661
Auriferous ferruginous quartz, blende . .
Pyrite of iron
—
—
—
662
Green carbonate, melaconite
663
664
Cuprite, green carbonate of copper.
Chalcopyrite, limonite
—
—
—
665
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
471
Number ot
Box
Number o
Sample
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
666
667
Argentiferous lead . . . ...
-
-
—
Green and blue carbonates of copper quartz
23
24
668
669
670
671
672
Bituminous coal
—
Lago
Nahal Huapi
San Rafael
National
Territory o
Neuquen
Province
Mendoza
» >
25
673
—
—
—
674
675
676
677
Lignite
—
Sloggett Bay
National
Territory
T. del Fueg
Province
,
,
678
Salta
27
690
691
692
693
30' 694
Poor bituminous coal
Briquettes made froom small bituminous
coal I
Briquettes made froom small bituminous
coal
Hydro borate of lime
» (These samples ob-
tained for excellent quality the heighest
award at the Exhibition of Chicago in
1893)
Marble
White marble
Natural refractory bricks cut out of mass,
Variegated marble
Block salt (each line represents one years
deposition
Silicate of copper, oligistic iron. . . .
Himanas
San Rafael
Piedra Balas San Rafaei
Caurchari
Payman
Lihuel Calel
San Juan
Mendoza
Mendoza
Territory of
Los Andes
Mendoza
Salta
Rioja
Salta
Territory
Pa. Central
472
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Number of
Box
Number of
Sample
CLASSIFICATION
Mine
District
Province
697
698
6QP
Silicate of copper, oligistic iron.
Antimony, quartz ........
Pyrite of iron
Rosario
Chumbicha
Capillitas
Province
Catamarca
?on
Titaniferous iron ore
Romay
Romay
701
Antimony
Mejicana
Andalgala
702
» quartz
703
704
Asbestus
San Juan
32
705
Melaconite
Grande
Capillitas
Catamarca
706
Carbonate and oxide of copper, limonite,
ochre
Santa Clara
707
708
Silicate of copper, oligistic iron. .
Argentiferous lead
Sta. Barbara
Lihuel Calel
Territory
Pa. Centra
Province
Cordoba
709
710
» »
711
» »
71?
» »
713
» »
714
» »
__ __
715
»
716
Sulphur . .
_
Zonda
San Juan
717
Sulphur
Sta. Barbara
Zonda
San Juan
718
33
71Q
Natural salt
Salta
720
Asbestus
Negra
San Luis
721
722
723
Enargite sulphate of copper
» and pyrite
Native copper .
—
Los Bayos
La Rioja
Territory of
Misiones
724
725
726
•
—
—
—
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
473
The Famatina Development Corporation (Limited)
Province of La Rioja
This Company has previously been referred to in this work,
and some account of its proceedings given; but, at the last
moment, the writer received the following table of data from
one of the Chief Directors, now in Buenos Aires.
MINES
Kilos
of ore
smelted
AVERAGE ASSAY.
CONTENTS IN KILOS.
Copper.
Silver.
Gold.
Copper.
Silver.
Gold.
Upulungos
150127
6261
117273
353570
108539
156718
15792
%
4'52
12 10
3'95
I2'42
5-52
3-13
6-49
%
0-498
0-056
2-798
0-088
0-555
0-638
0-289
%
0-0161
0-0091
0-0178
0-0130
0-0112
0-0304
0-0090
6797
758
4633
51010
5994
4916
1025
74-768
0-351
328-079
31 '279
60-253
99-996
4-563
2-431
0-058
2-097
4-621
1-220
4-769
0.143
Jesus Maria
Andueza
San Pedro
Compania
White lode
Ophir
Total
MINERAL PURCHASED
Humango
908280
1998
730
8-30
39-53
0'660
1 389
10-033
0-0169
75133
790
599-286
2-771
77-324
15-338
Silver. Ore
Allowance for loss in Smel-
ting
911008
8-33
0-668
10 %
0-0169
75923
609-387
15-338
—
6 %
5 %
4555
60-938
0-766
Total to be produced
-
-
-
71368
73989
548-449
568-594
14-572
15-082
Shewn in matte produced.. . . —
Chilecito, 24th April 1904.
It will be seen that a total of Q08'280 kilos of copper mine-
ral were obtained from six of the large and important group of
mines in the Mejicana district, and possessed by this Compa-
ny. The assay and rnetal produced are also included. The
quantities have not been re-calculated, it being preferred to
give the data in the original form, as received.
It appears from the above table that the best copper mineral
containing silver and gold, was obtained from the "San Pedro"
and "Jesus Maria" mines, the ore yielding at the rate of
474
MINING. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
14-10 % of copper, 0*088 % of silver, and 0.0130 % of gold,
and the other 12'\Q% of copper, 0'058 % of silver and
O'OOQl % of gold. This class of mineral is, consequently, of a
good quality for smelting.
The White Lode has, according to the above data, yielded
the greatest amount of gold, i. e., at the rate of 0'0304 %:
all the mines mentioned, however, produce a considerable
amount of gold.
It appears that the Development Corporation, limited, is
opening up their mines, as previously indicated, for the object
of proving their productive qualities, so that the quantity of
copper ore as given in the above table can only be considered
as a trial sample. However, when the body of the ore exis-
ting in the mineral veins, now being opened up is extracted, a
large and constant supply of ore may be expected, and it is
only reasonable to infer that the general yield of metal will
exceed that now exhibited in the table.
For example, when the poorer zone in the Upulungos Mine
has been passed, and its influence on the quality of the ore
ceased, the copper ore from that mine should be as rich as it
was before the poorer zone was encountered.
Naturally, at certain undefined depths poorer zones of ore
may occur in the other mines, but this could only influence the
quality and yield of the ore occurring in such zones; which,
however, are of a limited extent.
INDEX TO CHAPTERS.
Chapter. Pages-
I. -Historical No;ice upon the ancient Mines and Mining of the Argentine
Republic 1 to 44
II.— Historical Sketch of Modern Mining, etc., etc 45 " 66
III.— Different classes of Economic minerals existing in the Province of La
Ri°Ja 67 " 104
IV.— The Mining Province of La Rioja 105 " 124
V.— Mines of copper, silver and gold in the Districts of the Mejicana, Ofir,
Ampallao and others 125 " 144
VI.— Mines and Mining in the Province of Catamarca 145" 192
VII. — Mines and Mining in the Province of Tucuman 193 " 200
VIII.— Mines and Mining in the Province of Salta , . . . 201 " 220
IX. — Mines and Mining in the Province of Jujuy 221 " 232
X.— Mines and Mining in the Province of Mendoza 233" 248
XI. — Mines and Mining in the Province of San Juan 249 " 254
XII.— Mines and Mining in the Province of San Luis 255 " 278
XIII.— Mines and Mining in the Province of Cordoba 279 " 294
XIV.— Mines and Mining in the Province of Buenos Aires 295 " 298
XV.— Mines add Mining in the National Territory of the Andes 299 " 318
XVI.— Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Misiones 319 " 320
XVII.— Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Pampa Central . . . . 321 " 324
XVIII.— Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Neuquen 325 " 330
XIX.— Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Rio Negro 331 " 334
XX.— Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Chubut 335" 340
XXL— Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Santa Cruz 341 " 344
XXII. — Mines and Mining in the National Territory of Tierra del Fuego . . . 345 " 348
XXIII. —Metallurgy in the Republic 349 " 372
XXIV. -Mining Laws of the Republic 373 " 402
XXV. — Coal question. General discussion with analysis of Argentine coal, . . 403 " 434
XXVI.— General observations and data referring to the mines 435 " 454
APPENDIX.
Catalogue of the official collection of minerals sent to the Saint Louis Exhi-
bition, United States of North America 455 " 472
Mineral products and asays of the Famatina Development Corporation,
Limited. . 473 " 474
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