SECTION XX.

THE MISCELLANEOUS MINERALS OF THE PACIFIC COAST.

In referring to the nature, extent, and development of the miscellaneous minerals found on the Pacific coast, exclusive of gold, silver, and quicksilver, the materials are so abundant, and the details so interesting, as to render it dif ficult to select such portions as will convey the desired information within the limits prescribed. When it is remembered that there is scarcely a metal or mineral used in the arts, or known to science, but is represented on this coast-generally in greater proportion than in any other country-it will be perceived that a mere list of their names, and of the localities in which they are found, would occupy more space than would be desirable in an official document. This branch of the report is, therefore, confined to a few facts relating to the best known and most important of these products. The details, though necessarily incomplete, contain sufficient data upon which to base an opinion of the extent and variety of the miscellaneous mineral resources of the Pacific slope.

COPPER. This branch of mining, which was in process of development last year, is at present in a depressed condition. Various circumstances, briefly referred to hereafter, have caused a reduction in the value of metallic copper in the markets of the world. The depression has been felt more severely by the miners on this coast than by those of any other part of the Union, because copper mining being in its infancy here, was struggling to secure the aid of capital for its extension; an object the attainment of which is hopeless under existing circumstances. Another drawback has been the increased cost of freight, consequent on the demand for vessels to carry wheat, flour, and other produce to the ports to which it has been usual heretofore to ship ores and metals. This increase has been equal to a reduction of $5 per ton in the value of the ores; because they must be shipped in order to reach smelters and consumers, as there are no regular purchasers here, except such as buy for export.

Reference to some of the causes which have thus crippled the development of this source of wealth affords the best means for judging whether such reduction is likely to be permanent, or of merely temporary duration. India, for the past quarter of a century, has absorbed all the ingot copper sent there from all parts of the world. Many of the wealthy natives in the distant interior of that country hoarded these ingots as treasure, and they passed as currency among them. The importations of gold and silver since the discovery of these metals in California and Australia, together with the extension of railroads and other features of European civilization in Asia, have almost entirely abolished this custom. The precious metals have superseded copper in the business of its semi-barbarous people. This change has not only caused a stoppage in the demand for copper in what was formerly the best market for its disposal, but thousands of tons, the accumulations of years, have been brought out from hiding places to be exchanged for the precious metals. It will require years to absorb the present supply of copper in India by the manufacturers of that country, particularly as most of the utensils and ornaments made of that metal used by the people are imported from Europe or the United States.

The increasing supply of ores from Australia, Cuba, Chili, Africa, Europe, and the United States, before the revulsion in India was severely felt, had already begun to exceed the demand; and, of course, this excess has greatly increased since, giving the control of every open market to those countries where it can be mined and melted at the lowest cost.

The increase in the number of vessels built of iron in Europe, and the decline in ship-building in the United States, have curtailed the demand for sheathing, which a few years since was the chief use to which copper was applied in this country.

Another cause for the decrease in the demand for copper arises from the substitution of cheaper metals in the manufacture of articles formerly made of copper, and the introduction of processes for depositing copper on other metals by electricity, by which a mere film of the dearer metal gives the cheaper one the appearance, and causes it to serve most of the purposes of the other.

The above are among the leading causes of the present depression in the value of copper, and springing, as they do, from circumstances not likely to change for the better, the prospects of the copper mines on this coast are not very flattering.

The mines of Bolivia and Chili, owned by European capitalists, worked at less cost, and more convenient to the English and French markets than those of Cali fornia, can drive the ores from this coast out of those markets. The imports of South American ores into England in 1866 reached 35,336 tons, while but 4,591 tons were received from California, and the disproportion will be still greater during the present year. During the past six months only 1,211 tons have been shipped from San Francisco to England, while the receipts from South America during the same period exceeded 482,000 quintals of 96 pounds each. The present prices of freight and ores forbid any increase of shipments hence during this year. South America, in 1866, also sent 86,440 tons of ore to France, a market to which our ores cannot be sent with profit, unless a great reduction can be effected in the expenses of mining and exportation.

The copper mines of the United States have formidable competitors in the European markets in the mines of Africa and Cuba. The richest ores on the English market for some time past have been brought from the Cape of Good Hope, Africa. These ores average from 30 to 50 per cent. The mines of Cuba have also yielded a large quantity of rich ores. The product of fine copper in Europe and America, during 1867, is estimated at 90,000 tons, of which Bolivia and Chili will produce two-thirds.

The following tables, showing the value of ores in England during the past three years, and the cost of their production on this coast, explain the causes why California cannot compete with Chili in supplying the European markets. As the prices at Swansea, Wales, regulate the whole European market, it is only necessary to give the rates at that place.

Price of copper ores at Swansea in 1865, 1866, and 1867.