Mining and Scientific Press, Vol. 9, No. 8, p. 119 (August 20, 1864)

Excerpt from "OUR SUMMARY OF MINING NEWS. GLEANED FROM VARIOUS EXCHANGES" CALIFORNIA. MOUNT DIABLO.

The Contra Costa Gazette says that, notwithstanding the prevailing depression in mining interests generally, an increased activity seems to be manifested in the mines about Mount Diablo. The miners there continue to push on their work with unabated zeal, and increased confidence in the ultimate success of their labors in developing valuable and permanent veins of mineral. The Mount Zion company have let a contract to run a tunnel on the vein, for 300 feet. It is supposed by some that the ore taken from this tunnel will be sufficient to pay for the labor performed. Should this be the case, the contractor will realize a clear gain of the price paid him per foot for the work. In the Keokuk Company the quality of the ore grows better as the tunnel extends, and sanguine hopes are entertained that it will soon become a paying mine. The Summit of Zion have not only run a tunnel some 270 feet in length, but are now engaged in sinking a shaft on the vein at the extremity of the tunnel, and most excellent prospects are obtained. The company have full confidence in the value of the vein. The Gazette speaks very highly of the newly discovered Elmira lode, to which we alluded in our last, and pronounces the ore taken therefrom the best yet ever obtained from the Mount Diablo mines. Work has commenced on the Pioneer, by running an incline on the vein. It is quite evident that the tunnels heretofore run have gone too high, going over the lead. By sinking it is expected to reach paying ore in a very short distance. There are many other claims upon which work is being done. The Surprise is very highly spoken of by those familiar with it; the Superior is taking out very good ore, and a number of others.

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