![]() Underground mining was done in two stages using shrinkage stoping. Mining the outcrop ore at the Bonanza Mine was done by open pit. Lower-grade ore was sent to the mill for processing. This high-grade ore was shipped directly to the smelter without processing and averaged 50-55% copper. In some parts of the orebodies, large masses of pure chalcocite were mined. The ore contained an important silver byproduct. Smaller amounts of enargite, bornite, chalcopyrite, and native copper were also found. The principal ore mineral was chalcocite, along with malachite, azurite, and covellite. It is an understatement to say that the Kennecott ore was fabulously rich. ![]() It became part of the Kennecott operations in 1919. The Mother Lode Mine was located on the other side of the ridge and operated by the Mother Lode Coalition Mines Company. The Jumbo Mine started in 1913, the Glacier about the same time, and the Erie Mine in 1916. First production at the Bonanza mine began in 1911. From there the Alaska Steamship Company transported the ore to a smelter in Tacoma, Washington. The railroad provided access to the port of Cordova. The Kennecott Copper Corporation consolidated many of the claims in the area in 1905 however, it would take the construction of the 196-mile-long Copper River and Northwestern Railway to enable routine production to start. The outcrop of its ore was exposed high on the ridge top. (Courtesy US Geological Survey)īonanza Mine orebody was discovered 1900. (Courtesy National Park Service)ĬLICK ON THE IMAGE above! In the enlarged view of this recent photo, the routes of the tramways can still be seen climbing the slopes behind the mill building. In this historic photo, the Bonanza tram towers can be seen starting the uphill journey to the mine on the ridgeline. For those unable to make the climb, these photo galleries will give you a glimpse of what you missed. Elias National Park and Preserve can follow three strenuous trails, each a full day for the round trip, to visit them. It is a hike! The famous Kennecott Mines, the Bonanza, Jumbo, Mother Lode, Glacier, and Erie, were located about 4,000 feet above the Kennecott mill town.
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