The Daily Alaska Empire

MINING CONDITIONS TOLD BY SAARELA AFTER EXTENDED TRIP

Leo H. Saarela, Commissioner of Mines, has returned from the westward after an extended field trip throughout the interior. Considerable time was spent in the Healy Coal Field, and in visiting mining properties throughout the interior including the Seward Peninsula.

In the Healy Coal Field a considerable amount of time was devoted to the Healy River Coal Corporation mine at Suntrana where a fire in the underground workings was sealed off. Attempts to open the sealed area in the mine were made in September, however, it was necessary to delay the work for cooler weather and ending of the strike of the miners which started on September 14. This strike was settled and work has resumed at the mine.

In general, however, the coal supply for the interior is ample, and coal stocks in the Healy Field can take care of any contingencies.

The placer miners of the Fourth Division had a poor season as it was unusually warm and dry most of the summer. The area was thus deprived of sluicing water, and operations were curtailed to but a few hours sluicing per day.

In the Seward Peninsula, mining went on at a steady pace, and the production there will probably be more than that of last year. The miners of the Seward Peninsula had sluicing water, especially after the rains in the month of August. Considerable placer tin production was reported from the York district near Cape Prince of Wales. The gold miners are clamoring for a free market for their gold, Mr. Saarela said, and if the mining industry is to survive, some adjustment must be made. Most operators are moving more yardage with fewer men than at any previous time, and the feeling is general that if their product could seek its own price level, the industry could resume its proper place in the economic life of the interior.