Sixteen to one is the arbitrary ratio of the number of ounces of silver equal in value to one ounce of gold in the bi-metallic monetary system established by Portugal in 1688. The ratio had profound effects on the world's monetary arrangements for many years, and was adopted by the United States of America in 1792. The sixteen to one system was dropped by the United States in 1873, enraging [...]
Geologic research in the fields of thermodynamics, geochemistry and plate tectonics during the past 20 years has greatly improved our understanding of crustal evolution and the distribution of metals in the earth's crust. Throughout the world in Canada, Africa and Australia, major gold deposits are found within a suite of rocks referred to as greenstones. The name greenstone refers to the color of the rock acquired during metamorphism: greenschist facies [...]
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: Internet-generated directions to Alleghany (such as those retrieved from Google Maps) are NOT recommended! GPS is not accurate, either, as most units attempt to take you by the shortest route - which almost always means an unpaved, unmaintained dirt road fit only for 4W Drives. Please use the map provided below!
After a long and colorful history, the renowned Sixteen to One gold mine at Alleghany, Sierra County, was shut down in December 1965. This was only after a long but vain attempt to surmount the difficulties that have beset the domestic gold mining industry since World War II. The production of this, one of California's outstanding mines, is estimated to be at least $35 million in gold valued at $35 [...]
OUTLINE OF THE REPORT Lode mining in the Alleghany district began as early as 1853, and it is estimated that the total lode production from the veins of the district has been in excess of $20,000,000 ( all dollar amounts are calculated at $20.67 per ounce). The principal veins have northerly strikes with gentle easterly dips and follow minor reverse faults. The paragenesis of the vein minerals indicates three stages [...]
Under the initial eyes of the Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey, Waldemar published Professional Paper 73 in 1911. To many, 1911, represents the historical past. To California gold miners, it is an important part of the story of gold with present day implications. Does anyone believe all the placer and lode gold deposited in the Sierra Nevada is gone? NO. Just how much remains buried in one [...]
When the Original Sixteen to One Mine closed in 1965, no less an institution than the California Division of Mines and Geology mourned, calling it not just the death of one of the most productive and profitable gold mines California had ever known, but the end of a major California industry. But the Sixteen to One refused to die, and its uniquely modern success is a bright spot in a [...]
Mr. Wittkopp was hired to evaluate gold targets for upcoming development. In 1993 the Company was flush with gold, debt free and had excellent equipment, manpower and supplies at its disposal. The crews were locating and sacking hundreds of ounces of gold weekly, including the $1,000,000 day. Several 10,000-ounce pockets were yet to come. Management felt it was appropriate to choose a long-range project. The following report identifies a portion [...]
THE TERTIARY GRAVELS OF THE SIERRA NEVADA OF CALIFORNIA by Waldemar Lindgren USGS Professional Paper 73 RELATIVE VALUE OF QUARTZ GOLD AND PLACER GOLD Observations in all parts of the world have shown that placer gold is always finer than the gold in the quartz veins from which the placers were derived. The explanation is that the silver alloyed with the gold is dissolved by the action of surface waters. [...]
Years ago the mining public knew the answer. Today most United States gold production originates from low-grade open pit ore deposits (± .04 oz. per ton). The company's mineral deposit represents a premier high-grade gold mine. The following table illustrates twenty years of production, whereby high-grade ore exceeded one ounce per ton. High-Grage ProductionbyOriginal Sisxteen to One Mine, Inc. YEAR POUNDS OFPRODUCTION OUNCESPRODUCED NETRETURNS* NET RETURNS@ $385.00/OZ. % [...]
California's largest high-grade pockets were mined in the Alleghany Mining District. State Geology Bulletin 193 published the following chart. Two recent discoveries are added. The total value was calculated using the historical price of $20.67 per ounce. The highest pocket at today's price would be $27,800,000. Of the twenty-five pockets listed, twelve came from mine's owned by the company and sixteen are from Alleghany. Few gold companies and gold [...]
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1849 Beginning of the California Gold Rush 1852 Placer Mining began in the Alleghany District with the discovery of the first gold by Hawaiian sailors. 1853 Earliest report of lode mining (Rainbow and Irelan mines) 1861 Peak of placer production in the Alleghany district. 1870 The Placer Act limits placer claims to 160 acres. 1878 - Dec. 4 Bald Mountain (281 acres) claim verified, located about 1859. 1882 A 1000 [...]
Established in 1896, the Sixteen to One Mine is a unique "pocket" mine where gold is found in highly concentrated deposits within the quartz vein. The mine has produced over 1 million ounces of gold and is famous for its quartz and gold gemstone sought by jewelers. Underground Excursion: Three to four hour tour begins at the Museum where you will be introduced to the history of the [...]