50 YEARS AGO/November 1949

This is the first in a series that marks notable events and developments in Canada’s mining past as reported by The Northern Miner 50 years ago.

United Keno Hill surmounts Yukon obstacles

Two of the greatest obstacles faced by the newly opened United Keno Hill mine, 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, are permafrost and a stretch of continuous darkness that lasts 10 weeks every year. Also ravaging operations there is extremely cold temperatures, which can dip to as low as minus 81F. Permafrost renders the region’s watertable unpredictable and can pose problems for navigaiton and power generation. Other concerns are supply shipments from Vancouver and high freight charges.

New ore uncovered deep in Con mine

The discovery of new ore at the Con mine, near Yellowknife, N.W.T., suggests that production could be boosted higher than the current rate of 300 tons per day. The structure, dubbed Con Rycon, was discovered after four years of underground exploration in the Campbell zone. Con Rycon is outlined along a length of 400 ft. and a width of 65 ft. The average grade is 0.33 oz. gold per ton.

Ottawa restructures mining, resources departments

The Department of Mines and Resources will be restuctured into three separate departments: mines and technical surveys; resources and development; and citizenship and immigration. The announcement by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent has fueled speculation that the government will concentrate more on developing Canada’s mining industry. The new legislation is expected to be enacted in 1950.

Canadian gold output rises steadily

Gold production in Canada is making a comeback following the end of the war and a 10% increase in the Canadian price of gold to $38.50 per oz. Output is pegged to hit US$148 million in 1949, up $25 million over production in 1948.

Talk by the U.S. of raising the price of the yellow metal to US$50-60 further bolsters hope that marginal mines will be saved and that the industry in Canada will continue to expand.