[Allen D Hall]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6071

I recently learned about this statute, EVERYONE needs to know and understand this statute, it can even apply to county officials, and judges.

Title 18, U.S.C., Section 241
Conspiracy Against Rights
This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person of any state, territory or district in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or the laws of the United States, (or because of his/her having exercised the same).
It further makes it unlawful for two or more persons to go in disguise on the highway or on the premises of another with the intent to prevent or hinder his/her free exercise or enjoyment of any rights so secured.
Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to ten years, or both; and if death results, or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years, or for life, or may be sentenced to death.
back to top
________________________________________
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 242
Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law
This statute makes it a crime for any person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom to willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person those rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution and laws of the U.S.
This law further prohibits a person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation or custom to willfully subject or cause to be subjected any person to different punishments, pains, or penalties, than those prescribed for punishment of citizens on account of such person being an alien or by reason of his/her color or race.
Acts under “color of any law” include acts not only done by federal, state, or local officials within the bounds or limits of their lawful authority, but also acts done without and beyond the bounds of their lawful authority; provided that, in order for unlawful acts of any louis vuitton replica official to be done under “color of any law,” the unlawful acts must be done while such official is purporting or pretending to act in the performance of his/her official duties. This definition includes, in addition to law enforcement officials, individuals such as Mayors, Council persons, Judges, Nursing Home Proprietors, Security Guards, etc., persons who are bound by laws, statutes ordinances, or customs.
Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, and if bodily injury results or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire shall be fined or imprisoned up to ten years or both, and if death results, or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
back to top
________________________________________
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 245
Federally Protected Activities
1) This statute prohibits willful injury, intimidation, or interference, or attempt to do so, by force or threat of force of any person or class of persons because of their activity as:

a) A voter, or person qualifying to vote…;
b) a participant in any benefit, service, privilege, program, facility, or activity provided or administered by the United States;
c) an applicant for federal employment or an employee by the federal government;
d) a juror or prospective juror in federal court; and
e) a participant in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
2) Prohibits willful injury, intimidation, or interference or attempt to do so, by force or threat of force of any person because of race, color, religion, or national origin and because of his/her activity as:
a) A student or applicant for admission to any public school or public college;
b) a participant in any benefit, service, privilege, program, facility, or activity provided or administered by a state or local government;
c) an applicant for private or state employment, private or state employee; a member or applicant for membership in any labor organization or hiring hall; or an applicant for employment through any employment agency, labor organization or hiring hall;
d) a juror or prospective juror in state court;
e) a traveler or user of any facility of interstate commerce or common carrier; or
f) a patron of any public accommodation, including hotels, motels, restaurants, lunchrooms, bars, gas stations, theaters…or any other establishment which serves the public and which is principally engaged in selling food or beverages for consumption on the premises.
3) Prohibits interference by force or threat of force against any person because he/she is or has been, or in order to intimidate such person or any other person or class of persons from participating or affording others the opportunity or protection to so participate, or lawfully aiding or encouraging other persons to participate in any of the benefits or activities listed in items (1) and (2), above without discrimination as to race, color, religion, or national origin.
Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, and if bodily injury results or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire shall be fined or imprisoned up to ten years or both, and if death results or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be subject to imprisonment for any term of years or for life or may be sentenced to death.

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6070

This topic began ten years ago. I have enjoyed writing on the Sixteen to One web site as much as I have enjoyed reading what you write. Neither of us have been doing much writing lately. As the 2015 year closes down and 2016 looms ahead, the Ideal Time for Facts should be a fun and informative hobby. Check it out. Comments started in September 2005.

Gold mining and even our nation’s unquestionable need for coal and other non-precious minerals are under attack from the public, the media and even some Federal and State agencies. A counter attack is vital to secure social and economic freedoms that you and I value. I have continued my effort for legal justice under a federal law passed in 1977 called “An Act of 1977”. This lost right is contained in Section 4. It has been emasculated by the people, agency and system created to protect the miners of America.

Most Americans today never think about the value of our domestic mining industries. They only hear about bad stuff, which mostly is an allegation of a toxic harm to the earth or humans. Other topics on this FORUM are also appropriate for specific comments. Let’s give it a try and see where this path leads. Can we affect changes? Does anyone even care?

Other topics on the FORUM are there for education enlightenment of venting. My absence from regularly typing these keys, then pressing “Submit” are actually very positive. I,ve been very busy leading the operations and abnormally frustrated with regulatory nonsense. BUT, our operation in Alleghany has turned around from a decade of sorrow. One can easily call it a decade of under performing. We found some good exploration targets in June and guess what? We are mining some gold. One of these targets is very exciting. It is above the main adit, which is a blessing. Travel time to the working face is doable and utilities and their extension are not problems. The potential for developing a major pocket is real. I say real because of the location, geology and past production nearby and some history that apparently was overlooked by all of us associated with operating the mining program. Remember, in a high-grade gold mine like ours, proven reserves is impossible to determine.

Regulators continue to harass us as well as other mining operations. I know this from personal experiences with the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA0 and the State of California at the Sixteen to One. I also know this rolex replica from my background in mining. Too many people both in the industry and regulating the industry tell me horror stories about the quality of regulators. The issue is not always the individual but the lack of real experiences to judge what they are inspecting. . Many tell me that the root cause lives in Washington DC. Do we have a chance to correct the sorry decline in public services? I think the answer is, “YES”. Is the effort worth the time? It is for me not just because I run a gold mining operation. I live in California, have family, friends and community in California and I am an American.

So, my new year’s resolution is coming ahead of the calendar date. I resolve to work on this problem, share information with you and ask for your efforts as well. Who was it that said, I love it when a plan comes together”?

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6069

The company’s third quarter preliminary Income Statement or Profit/Loss looks profitable. Nice turn around, miners and staff!

[Hans Kummerow]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6068

Thank you for the update, Scoop.

I hope you will get a lot of snow during this winter season and the much needed rain in the lower parts of the country.

And I hope the Compromise Raise has still a few high grade pockets for the crew to blast into.

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6067

Here’s the Alleghany situation.
The best news for any gold mining company and especially those high-grade underground mines is: our explorations led to modest gold production for the third quarter. A company noted for hyping its stock would have really built this into a grand expectation. Mike is just relieved that he is not going into additional debt. When past performances produced a 2500 ounce day, a 10,000 ounce pocket (one location usually in a stope) and numerous 500 to 1000 ounce finds, this much needed bundle is not especially news worthy but it is worth noting that corporate liabilities are not increasing.

Can we think about another 500 to 1000 ounce day? Sure, why not. This deposit has much more to give.

Scoop has an inside track to information about the Sixteen, so offers readers his perception: stay tuned for news of a much improving situation here in Alleghany. What do the readers think about the gold situation? It seems very quiet. Mike is definitely not fretting the current spot price as many of the other producing (and non-producing) mine operators or promoters are wanking about.

Remember that most investors have no or little gold options in their portfolio. Why is this true?

Is that silly grey market still trading OSTO shares? The last trade of certificates shows up on this website at $.56. Look, 18,209 shares were bought at $.44 in August. There currently are no bids. The only shares offered below a dollar are 1,150 priced at $.89. How come there are no bidders? How or why has OSTO become the oldest American gold mining company in North America?

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6066

Will Illinois Be the First State to Go Bankrupt?

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Martin
Armstrong

The state of Illinois is in real trouble. The state employees have been bleeding the state dry and are demanding that they raise taxes so they can get theirs. This is the poster state for government employees expropriating private assets. Illinois must pay $560 million in November and they have said they will have to delay the payment to its pension funds. They will also delay payments due in December. We are on the verge of watching state bankruptcy. Once Illinois goes, others will follow to escape pension payments to former state employees.

[David Ingraham]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6065

There is only one way to stop this rape of the tax payers, to have an initiative preventing such charges. That there will not be any charges for miles driven, nor any other scheme by the state based on milage traveled.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6063

Taxing Per Mile Driven

From: Martin Armstrong

I have warned that states are desperate for money. Now, they are preparing to impose a tax on each mile driven. Oregon now wants to install a GPS “Mileage Tracking Device” in every car. They will also use the global warming scam to justify this tax as if this will have any effect upon altering the climate. It is just an excuse to justify more taxation. You will pay tax on the gasoline and then pay an additional tax per mile. A new double taxation. Eventually, all states will follow this lead.

[Dick Davis]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6064

Taxing Per Mile….doesn’t sound like a great idea to me….all that paperwork, but here’s the info: Getting to OReGO
Diminishing fuel tax returns led Oregon decision-makers back to the drawing board to create a fair, reliable source of revenue to fund transportation projects for all Oregonians. The result is OReGO. Here are the details:

OReGO volunteers will pay a road usage charge for the amount of miles they drive, instead of the fuel tax.
The OReGO road usage charge is set at 1.5 cents per mile.
Volunteers will get a credit on their bill to offset the fuel tax they pay at the pump.
Volunteers will have their choice of secure mileage reporting options offered by OReGO’s private-sector partners.
Volunteers’ personal information will be kept secure and private.
The first phase of OReGO is limited to 5,000 cars and light-duty commercial vehicles.

[Allen D Hall]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6062

For anyone that wants to attend, there is a Miners meeting at the Stonehouse in Nevada City, starts at 5pm. There will be discorses given on the state of the dredging lawsuits, and everyone is invited to bring equipment for sale if you have some. Big Al

[Allen D Hall]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6061

Hi Mike, thanks for the information. I am trying to figure out what the 2300 feet of drift that the Forest Service has closed off to us at the Roye – Sum is worth at a ballpark figure. Big Al

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6060

There are numerous conditions affecting any mining. For an average four foot round of drift, the following foot cost is an estimate. It may be greater but is unlikely to be less. Included are: labor for two miners (one a lead miner), explosives, track material, utility supplies, utilities and misc. supplies, equipment sinking fund for broken and repairs, and outside power. There is no dollar allowance for supervision. The per-foot cost is $410.

Now, the location of the heading is critical. How far is the travel to dispose of waste? What are the outside conditions? Where are the supplies and equipment coming from? How far does the crew travel to the mine site and then to the heading? All these influence the cost. I assumed the heading is close to the portal. Also I did not figure ventilation, if required. If ventilation is required the cost will increase substantially.

Mining is not a casual hobby. It is a dangerous and tough business. Crews, like ours, are professional underground gold miners, some of the best in the country. Mike

[Allen D Hall]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6059

Hi Mike, regarding the thieves, hanging is to good for them, take them down in the mine to water level, and barricade them in with no light for a few days. might change thier perspective on life. I have a question for you, as I need to know what a 5 by 7 drift costs in todays money per foot to construct complete with rail. It is for Gene’s and my lawsuit against the Forest Service. Thanks, Big Al and Gene

[cody washburn]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6058

Would I be correct in assuming that a large % of the MSHA employees and/or inspectors have most likely never worked in a mine 1 day of their lives?

They should hire retired miners to perform their inspections and verdicts. My guess is that in reality it is probably academic types that learned their trade from a classroom and books – maybe a field trip to look at an open pit mine from a distance…

They will no doubt stay as long as it takes in order to find a violation, just to make up for the long drive up to the mine from wherever their offices are.

Common sense dictates that mining is inherently dangerous. So is logging – I chased landing under a Skycrane that came in with a new turn every 98-120 seconds. This same chopper later crashed in the bottom of the canyon where we worked! Before I arrived on the job a faller with 25+ years of experience was trapped on a side-hill under a log with a broken pelvis, leg, ankle, and ribs. With a workplace environment like this (or down in the mine), you almost expect something bad to happen. Most likely, you are prepared to handle it, and be ready for it. It is the nature of the work itself – mining, logging, or offshore fishing in Alaska, which creates the dangerous environment. Bad things will still happen despite rigorous safety training, proper equipment, and never-ending work on making the site itself safer. The regulators’ approach is akin to me blaming the road (or my car) if I hit a deer and got into a car accident…

How many mine accidents across the country have occurred immediately after a clean or zero citation MSHA inspection? (If such an MSHA inspection exists).

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6057

Answer to WK below: Yes. Two men died from accidents in the mine. Eighty or more years ago a miner fell and died from his injury. On November 6, 2000 a tragic accident took the life of Lead Miner Mark Fussell. Mark ‘s accident resulted from a brain lapse while on the 1700 level. MSHA took extreme measures to concoct a story blaming the Mancha Locomotive he was operating as the root cause. The lead investigator, Steve Cain, fabricated a report and none of the management questioned its authenticity (an easy task to perform). Why did MSHA do this?

During our last inspection the inspector brought up root cause analysis. I spoke up as he drifted off track. Most accidents result from inattention by the miner. Let’s call it a ‘brain fart’. Until our hazardous environment and dangerous work place is properly reviewed during an inspection or accident, the miners’ health and safety will be compromised. MSHA needs to get this right!

A few years ago a young Sixteen to One miner dies from his car accident on Highway 49. It was sad and also tragic. Fault was not his car or another. He just lost his focus, something that happens from time to time.

My greatest concern during last week’s visit from the feds was their safety. I told them so at the outset. Neither was physically prepared to travel in our mine. We continue to be regulated by people without the required background, experience and training.

[Wayne Kirk]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6056

Would I be correct to speculate that more Sixteen to One miners have died or been injured in their cars than in the mine?

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6055

See entry on 8/18/2015.

Then please use your common sense and imagination to add descriptions for me to present at a conference with federal regulators regarding Sixteen to One mine. Even if you have never been underground go ahead with adjectives and nouns. Use your imagination. Others do. I want your views.

The crew just finished a week long inspection where our normal was seen as creating unsafe work environment (something that regularly happens with MSHA regulators employed to help miners with safety and health. I was handed four citations marked serious and substantial, the worst kind of evaluation. None of the miners could believe the citations represented the Sixteen to One. All these must be vacated.

How to explain to MSHA? What I will send MSHA district office:

“Sixteen to One mine topography is not discrete or separate in its underground surfaces. The mine workings are in a hazardous environment underground and will always be treated as such. All people entering the underground are given instructions about the conditions they will encounter. It is a hazardous and dangerous place, especially for person with infrequent experience.

The hazards include but not limited to: irregularities in shape, size, composition, slipperiness, height, duration of awkwardness, unfamiliarity, low light, headroom, loose rock, ( please add some more things to beware of when underground in a mine). A person may slip, fall, scrape the body, trip, bump one’s head, (please add some more things). This is for real and not a joke.”

Thanks. Comment here or to my email mmeistermiller@gmail.com

[David Ingraham]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6053

Hello Mike, sorry to here about the poor qualifications of the mine inspectors. you say you have had poor results with contact to your Congressman. The way you can handle this is to write the speaker of the house about your lack of support from your representative. I do it all the time, My representative is a democrat, and he and I do not liike each other very much. So to get around his inconsideration I write the Speaker John Boehner. He will help you.

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: Ideal Time for Facts #6052

Right now our mine has two Authorized Representatives of the US Secretary of Labor (AR) underground. They are commonly called “mine inspectors”. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 was passed by Congress for the benefit of miners as well as to benefit the general welfare of American citizens. Mineral production is not a luxury. It is an essential to our lives.

Section 505, entitled Inspectors, Qualifications; Training says: persons appointed as authorized representatives of the Secretary shall be qualified by practical experience in mining or by experience as a practical mining engineer or by education: Provided, however, That to the maximum extent feasible, no person shall be so selected unless he has the basic qualification of at least five years practical mining experience…

I was disappointed that this would be the first underground mine experience of one AR. I was shocked to be told that this AR has never worked anywhere as a miner or in a mine. She is here to get some training and experience. In the pre-inspection conference I related how costly this has been for us in the past. Time wise the inspections are uncomfortably slow and tedious as the lead AR wants to explain every little crack to the newbie. Well, this was also the experienced first time underground at the Sixteen to One for the lead AR.

I thought we had a meeting of the minds until the lead miner and also miners’ representative assigned to show the ARs the mine called me around noon. He was frustrated because they had only traveled a short distance from the portal and a lot of teaching was taking place between the two ARs.

I got my hat and boots drove to the portal and headed underground, hoping to to advance the situation or find out why they were so slow. What I found was they had traveled no further and were still looking at cracks and ground support. Oh, I forgot, when I left the mine in the morning, I called the MSHA District office in Vacaville to register my complaints about the ongoing use of Sixteen to One as a training ground for inexperienced ARs. This AR has zero experience which is a first!

What can be done about a federal agency breaking the law and passing the expense of lost time on a small operator? This is my question to you. How can this governmental treatment be addressed? The district and field offices know this. It really isn’t their fault nor is it the fault of the ARs. Our industry cannot survive with continual enforcement by an unlawful regulatory agency. Writing my Congressional representatives gets no results.

The Act of 1977 clearly spells Congresses’ intent in Section 103c, which protects small businesses from an “unreasonable burden upon operators and unnecessary duplication of effort in obtaining information”. It is an epidemic! MSHA has killed the small mining operation and who knows but it may be hurting the big multinational operations as well.

This behavior does not benefit our miners or our country. Maybe if others got involved, we can turn this abusive and unlawful behavior around. Parallel with those who grow our food, farmers and ranchers, those who extract the vital minerals we must have to enjoy life, miners are under attack by an overt act of aggression. If you like to eat and like your car, bike computer or clothing, I would like your help. Ideas are good but if others can make more people aware of this lawlessness happening right now at the Sixteen to One, we can stop a growing epidemic.

[cody washburn]

in reply to: Water and Arsenic: which came first? #6050

Just wondered if anyone was following the horrible mistake that the EPA performed in Colorado when trying to clean up an old mine. Instead of blaming the EPA (who admitted fault), the L.A. Times had a headline that had something to do with “the problem of hard rock gold mines”.

Props to the crew of the 16 to 1 over the years in dealing with this type of negative portrayal, which is pretty much nonstop in California.

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: From the Sixteen to One Archives #6049

Errol Christman passed away July 25, 2015. He was 74. He grew up in the mining town of Grass Valley, where one of America’s great underground gold mines dipped thousands of feet below the Pacific Ocean surface.

I met Errol in the late 1970’s. He had a month to month lease to prospect Sixteen to One in late 1970. He paid $250 per month. It worked out well for Errol. The old workings above the drain tunnel level had quartz pillars that were left to support the ground. By drilling these pillars he sacked high-grade gold, which financed a growing mining equipment business. His time underground at the Sixteen was short but profitable.

Some people faulted Errol for removing the pillars and causing irreparable destruction. I was not one of them. He took advantage of an opportunity given him by the mine management in San Francisco. Our Company had quit mining in December 1965. It gave existing miners permission to go into the mine to eke out a modest living.

Fortunately for the future, no one brought metal detectors into the old workings. We did in 1992. Success was instant. The single biggest day was in 1995. We drilled blasted and sacked 25 2,500 ounces in one shift. Gold spot was $400 an ounce, so it became the Million Dollar Day. This pocket was less than ten feet from where the ‘old-timers’ stopped mining. Errol did well. So have we. Ours is a rare and exceptional gold deposit. Knowing this to be true has kept its owners in place for over 100 years. Errol was a part of our history.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6048

“Property taxes are undemocratic” -Martin Armstrong

More of his thoughts

We do not own our homes; you cannot retire, even after paying off your mortgage, since you still have to pay property taxes. If you do not pay your property taxes, they take your house and throw you out on the street. Property taxes are the most UNDEMOCRATIC tax we have and are a remnant of a totalitarian state. Today, government workers demand funding for their pensions through exploitation of the people.

Government should privatize to eliminate pensions. We have to face the fact: politicians will never efficiently manage anything; they are hopeless. Government departments should privatize simply for real management, and then we would not have this crisis of unfunded pensions that are bankrupting the states. No state is capable of simple fiscal management because they are not competitive. Instead, they abuse their power of taxation to fill in gaps of mismanagement. Taxes clearly alter our lives and it is never for the better at the end of the day.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #6047

Post navigation← PreviousNext →
Gold: How High is High?
Posted on August 3, 2015 by Martin Armstrong
Gold#20-Hoard

QUESTION:

Mr. Armstrong;

Your timing has been incredible. It is becoming clear that your forecasts are time and price which are separate. You have opened my eyes to a whole new way to observing the world. Do you think gold will still reach $5,000 after 2016?

Thanks so much

RB

ANSWER: Yes, but as I have stated before, $5,000 is the extreme maximum target – not the minimum. I do not see any possibility of $30,000 or some other outrageous forecast. Even reaching $5,000 will not be easy, and we have to be concerned that they could simply declare gold illegal as they did in 1934. Government would not necessarily travel door to door to confiscate gold. Instead, they would are likely to employ the same tactic as used the past – outlawing transactions in gold to avoid taxes, which might even include Bitcoin. That would set the stage for the confiscation of any asset that avoids taxation, a crime they now call money laundering with a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. This is all about them – not you. They will never print their way out for their benefactors would not lend them money under that scenario. Hedge funds demand Draconian measures that a deflationary, as they are doing to Puerto Rico and Argentina. They do not care that society will not function under austerity because they want their profits.

Such schemes against tax avoidance would not be merely a target against gold alone. It would be against anything taking place in a tax-exempt atmosphere. This posture would have the effect of shutting down gold futures, which would really screw the mines for they would be unable to hedge. Not to mention, if gold were illegal, who will buy the gold? So making gold illegal would result in a lot of problems. That does not put it past these people who may be trying some sort of scheme. However, this reflects the problems we face as government acts irrationally while trying to maintain control and power, rather than reform. This is the meltdown phase of governments for they cannot look at the long-term. There is no way out of this mess without a full-blown restructure, but that is a loss of power and they will never willingly do such a thing. They will kick and scream all the way.

Gold should test the $2300 level, which is about the 1980 high adjusted for inflation. That target would appear to be the minimum. That requires, of course, maintaining a free market. We will not have the precise target for a high until we achieve the final low and see the Reversals generated from that low. So anything else is speculation rather than a forecast. We still expect the low to form on the Benchmarks as of now.

Of course, the gold promoters will try to convince people that demand for physical gold will rise and that somehow will save the day. This is more of a sign that the low is not yet in place. What causes the rally from the low is its short-covering, NOT a rise in demand. Likewise, at the top, it is running out of fresh buyers who produce the high. You must exhaust the buyers to create the high and exhaust the shorts to create the low.

I still recommend REAL gold coins – not bullion bars or restrikes. Keep away from rare dates and stay with common grade U.S. $20 gold pieces or $10 and $5. You want coins that can at least be considered a collector’s item. Stay far away from high grade and rare dates. Also, be careful that the premium for newly minted gold coins, as well as silver, will rise as the price declines. This is people trying to make up for losses. Those premiums will decline at the top in prices and widen as prices decline.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #6045

Gold $1089.20 OFF $$7.70
Silver $14.73 OFF $ 0.08

Gold’s 5000 day moving average is still ascending and in the vicinity of $800 plus. In my opinion. the metal remains in a bull market. The decline from above $1,900 is no more than an intermediate term scary reaction. As every day goes by, we are nearing the ultimate reaction low of this phase.

Some words from Martin Armstrong:

The Supply Side of Gold
Posted on July 30, 2015 by Martin Armstrong
Gold-Fluctuated

A gold standard has never worked for one primary reason: the “money supply” cannot increase based upon economic conditions or politicians, rather it can increase due to new discoveries. This introduces the same flow concerned fiat money. The 19th century was plagued by the gold discoveries in California, Alaska, and Australia. Likewise, the discovery of gold in South America by the Spanish created massive inflation in Europe during the 16th century. The idea that gold provides some tangible value for money is absurd, for it has always risen and fallen in value based upon market conditions. Gold would no more provide a check against inflation than paper money. The only way to provide a stable money supply is to eliminate career politicians and stop the borrowing by government

Well, when it rains, it pours. In the Sudan, a large discovery of gold amounting to 43 tons has occurred, an amount expected to rise to 80 tons by the end of 2015, which is equivalent to a market value estimate of $2,555,262,400 if the market stays the same. The entire U.S. gold reserve is 8,000 tons. So, we are talking about a sizable discovery in the Sudan. The Sudanese government anticipates mining an additional 100 tons of gold in 2016.

From a supply-demand perspective, this could crush gold psychologically. In the long run, it will only have an impact when demand lags. It all depends upon the cost of production. When the monetary system cracks, that will be the focus. The markets will cherry-pick the news for that is always what they do.

The likelihood of the dollar collapsing is at zero right now. The crisis is manifesting in Europe first. The dollar will be driven higher as capital seeks to get off the grid and hide. The U.S. debt of $18 trillion is still a tiny fraction of the near $160 trillion in total world debt. It’s all a matter of perspective. Simply put, gold will rally ONLY when the stage is set. It will rise to the monetary crisis in the future – not right now.

[Hans Kummerow]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6046

a strange smell is back in the air in Europe. It is the taste of a major war in Eastern Europe.

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6044

Hello 16 to 1. Your Forum input lately resembles the water situation in California… it dried up! Being the professional journalist, Scoop demands an interview and supportive evidence as to why this has occurred. From your history, either you have good or bad news and are too busy to sit down and craft your story. Since the annual shareholder meeting in June, your activities in Alleghany confirm you remain in business.

Be prepared for those tough questions that accomplished (and great) reporters ask. Scoop is at your door high noon tomorrow.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #6043

Live Spot Gold
SPOT MARKET IS OPEN
closes in 17 hrs. 15 mins.
Jul 24, 2015 00:00 NY Time
Bid/Ask 1083.40/1084.40
Low/High 1076.70 / 1106.50
Change -7.00 -0.64%
30daychg -91.60 -7.80%
1yearchg -210.50 -16.27%

The intermediate down phase continues.

The time and price destination to the final low has not yet been determined by Martin Armstrong.

$1000 gold will break according to him.

In some years following the upcoming bottom gold will reach to the $5000 area.
The bottom is just months away, prepare yourselves.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #6042

Gold $1154.50 OFF $15.30
Silver $15.05 OFF $0.70

Aside from all the gold bugs positive comments concerning gold, the metal is still being contained within its bearish intermediate trend. Gold bottoms out when it becomes a dirty word in the press.

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6041

Last week end was a busy time in Alleghany. About eighty shareholders and guests traveled the trail to the landing at the old mine office. Weather cooperated except for a nearly afternoon windy spell. The food tent flapped and flapped and then took off. Those nearby grabbed the tent poles and ropes and kept the tent from heading into space.

Besides the routine corporate business, Mike announced a motion would be placed to put a new tool at his discretion (if needed) for attracting a future investor(s). It is the formation of Preferred Stock. Preferred Stock represents a secured position for investment without the struggle to determine the value of common stock. Scoop got details and will provide it at the end of this entry.

The Underground Miners of California Museum had two days of events: historical walk around Alleghany, a grand collection of gold specimens and on Sunday a tour of the Sixteen to One. The museum celebrates twenty years. Be sure to check it out when next in Alleghany. It grows every year.

The President told of a recent finding of gold in an unusual place in the mine. His confidence seemed high but as we all know, it is best to talk about gold once it is accounted for and in a safe place.

So for anyone wishing to join what seems like a good time for Sixteen to One, here is how to secure an investment. Mike assured Scoop that he will work ways with investors that meet just what they want.

Preferred Stock
The Board of Directors is expressly vested with authority to determine, in whole or in part, the preferences, limitations, and relative rights of the Preferred Shares, or one or more series of Preferred Shares, before the issuance of any such Shares. All shares of a series of Preferred Shares shall have preferences, limitations and relative rights identical with those of other Preferred Shares of the same series. The preferences, limitations, and relative rights of the Preferred Shares shall be specified in a subsequent amendment to these Articles of Incorporation adopted by the Board of Directors and may include, without limitation:

(1) Special, conditional, or limited voting rights, or no right to vote, except to the extent prohibited by the KBCA;

(2) That the Preferred Shares be redeemable or convertible (a) at the option of the Corporation, the shareholder, or another person or upon the occurrence of a designated event; (b) for cash, indebtedness, securities, or other property; or (c) in a designated amount or in an amount determined in accordance with a designated formula or by reference to extrinsic data or events;

(3) Rights entitling the holders to distributions calculated in any manner, including dividends that may be cumulative, noncumulative, or partially cumulative;

(4) Preferences over any other class of shares with respect to distributions, including dividends and distributions upon the dissolution of the Corporation; and

(5) Other preferences, limitations, or relative rights not prohibited by law.

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6040

Tomorrow looks to be another fun day in Alleghany: shareholder meeting, Underground gold Miners Museum’s gold exhibit, vendors set up on Main Street Four Star Shop open and food at Casey’s. Temperature in 90’s. Inside Sixteen to One a steady 50 degrees. Those who seek out this annual event will have a blast.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #6039

Gold $1177.80 OFF $8.40
Silver $15.925 OFF $0.145

Metals Still Pointing Down
Posted on June 16, 2015 by Martin Armstrong
SVNYNF-M 6-15-2015

The precious metals are still pointing lower into our Benchmark targets. Indeed, the hunt for money by government is becoming so severe we may see the second Benchmark complete the decline rather than the first. So be prepared for that development. The hedge funds are starting to sell again keeping in sync with the charts. Our Energy Models are still negative on the monthly level.

Silver has held the Break-Line Channel for now, but critical support lies at the $12 level. A monthly closing below that will be the final signal that the extreme targets we provided in the the International Precious Metals Report will most likely be seen before this bear market is complete. So nothing has changed to alter those forecasts.

[Fred Cain]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6037

Just as the Golden State embarks on what is normally a dry, rainless summer following a record drought, what happens? A freak out-of-season rain storm forms out of nowhere. How?

Well, a hurricane, now downgraded to a weak depression is working its way up the Baja California coast. Although it’s iffy as to whether any of this moisture will reach Allegheny, heavy rain is now moving into Southern California

Will wonders ever cease? These kinds of systems do not normally appear until at least August. But one thing is for certain, this is most certainly NOT a normal year.

In the end, it all depends on the weather.

Regards,
Fred M. Cain

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: From the Sixteen to One Archives #6036

Three government agencies are most onerous to the welfare of our miners, owners and community. Two are Californian and the other, a federal branch of the Department of Labor. It always has not been this way. I came across a letter I wrote to our Congressman in 1999. Sadly its theme rings true today. I thought it was worth a review sixteen years later because an epidemic of irrational enforcement of regulations seems to be wide spread across our country. A free democratic republic must be regulated. It is not the regulations that are upsetting, but the execution of the standards/codes designed to implement the laws that are a major issue.

What has happened to small scale underground gold mining is happening to big industries throughout the United States. If federal agency enforcement is the problem, it centers in Washington D.C. It can be fixed but not unless our elected representatives grab a hold on our federal public servants to alter these abuses. You know the problem just as I do. It is time to call out names so those elected to serve our well-being can act. I did this in this letter in1999. Did it make a difference? Not that I know.
If you follow our FORUM, you will find out if the Sixteen to One miners are respected in the 21st century by our chief safety regulator, MSHA. Let’s hope it will happen. Californians will benefit when its bountiful natural resources are treated with respect.

December 2, 1999
The Honorable Wally Herger
55 Independence Circle, Suite 104
Chico, California 95973
Fax: (530) 893-8619

Dear Congressman Herger:

MSHA (Mining Health and Safety Administration) is a federal regulatory agency that derives its power from a Senate and House approved document referred to as An Act (Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, Public Law 910173 as amended by Public Law 95-164). Its purpose was to improve the safety of the mining industry’s most precious resource – the miner. Interim mandatory health and safety standards were designed and a bureaucracy of inspection and enforcement employees were hired to carry forth the wishes of Congress.

Congress specifically pointed out that information generated during the practice of implementation of An Act shall be obtained in such a manner as not to impose an unreasonable burden upon operators, especially those operating small businesses. The agency currently has lost sight of Congress’s direction with regards to our company and the intent of Congress.

Our company is public, listed on the Pacific Exchange (OAU symbol). It is California’s longest operating mine and the second oldest gold mining company in the United States. It is also very small. It is the remaining active traditional underground gold operation in California. MSHA has significantly and materially impacted our ability to function. It is directing our mining operation by issuing questionable citations, then demanding our miners work solely on correcting them. Its agents have become unreasonable in interpreting the codes and standards known as CFR Title 30- Mineral Resources.

In California MSHA is administered from a field and district office in Vacaville. Individual inspectors report to Willie Davis, a field officer who works under the district office (Jim Salois, manager, and Bill Wilson, assistant manager). The next level is the administrator for metal and non-metal industry, Mr. Ernie Teaster. I do not know his location. The head of MSHA is J. Davitt McAteer (assistant Secretary of Labor), who is responsible to the Secretary of Labor.

There are no doubts with the miners or management that MSHA is an agency out of control. MSHA allegations of unsafe conditions have become opinions of individuals who seem to have reasons for exerting pressure on our operation. For example: Code interpretation and guidelines require that allegations of violations be based upon the particular facts surrounding the violation plus a reasonable likelihood that the hazard will result in an injury or illness of a reasonable serious nature. Section 1 04(d)(1)/(e)(1). Both of these findings must be made before a violation can be designated as “significant and substantial”. Guidelines also exist for determining the likelihood of injury and the seriousness of injury. Congress included the word REASONABLY as required criteria for inspectors to follow. Reasonableness has been lost under the current administration of An Act. By the way, each citation now comes with an ever growing monetary fine.

I am a career miner, owner and operator of twenty-five years in the special Alleghany Mining District. The current draconian impositions thrust upon our small operation are traceable for eighteen to twenty four months. They define oppression to business that is associated with an unbending totalitarian type of government, something that is repugnant to all Americans. The level of unreasonableness has increased significantly the past year. Opinions have become facts. Unfortunately for our miners, company, owners and community, mine inspectors have become policemen, policemen undertrained or unqualified to perform their congressional charge. MSHA has become counterproductive to the congressional mandate established in An Act and the safety of our crew. The Program Policy Manual guidelines are set so that an inspector must use in his evaluation: background, training, experience and an evaluation of actual circumstances surrounding the violation. He is to arrive at independent judgments. I contend that there is no longer an atmosphere of independent judgment coming from the district office in Vacaville. After in-depth conversations with inspectors and other MSHA personnel, miners, managers, operators and owners, I believe a handful of high ranking government employees are responsible for this atmosphere.

It is interesting to note that MSHA has acknowledged that within the industry it regulates, whether surface or underground, metal or non-metal, the MSHA field inspectors have the highest rate of injury in the industry. Having observed the last inspector on our property, REDACTED, it is easy to see why.

I request a thorough congressional investigation be conducted into the affairs of MSHA from the field and district offices in Vacaville to the rooms under the auspices of J. Davitt McAteer. MSHA has lost sight of the Sixteen to One mine’s most precious resource….our miners. I believe you will find similar situations at other mines in the west.

Sincerely,
Michael M. Miller
President

[David Ingraham]

in reply to: From the Sixteen to One Archives #6038

Dear Mike,

Recommend you resubmit your letters to congress, the present congress is interested in reducing or eliminating federal government over reach of its regulations and they most definetly need to know what the problems are.

[Michael Miller]

in reply to: Miscellaneous #6035

Our mine site was burglarized over the Memorial weekend. We lost about $5,000 in tools and equipment. Our operation was hurt without these tools until I could replace them.

For me a burglary is a personnel attack, especially when some guys steal the tools needed to do your work. It reminded me about days gone by. Growing up I wondered why the cowboys or locals hung a horse thief. A horse 150 years ago could mean life or death to its owners.

Years later on I realized that if some butt head steals your horse, it is grounds to hang him. I feel the same about stealing a man’s tools. Your life depends on them.

I am installing a very sophisticated security system. It costs a bunch. It provides information in real time and monitored in real time.

Interestingly, these two thieves turned our electrical power off at the meter. It won’t work if there is a next-time trespassers enter our properties. So (and I know that someone reading this FORUM knows these burglar pricks) trespass again on our mining properties and we will hang you.

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6034

An uneventful Saturday in Alleghany so Scoop drags out his unused files. How about this short note from October 16, 2009.

Are the underground mines in the United States under regulated for safety?

Up to today’s date there have been sixteen fatalities in the metal/nonmetal mining industry. Fourteen occurred at surface operations. Two occurred at underground mine sites: a lead/zinc mine and a salt mine. Of the remaining fourteen surface operations only one (Newmont) was a gold mine.

Most mining organizations care about and demand safety. In California the mines are inspected by Cal/OSHA and the federal Mines Safety Health Administration (MSHA). Rumor is the current Secretary of Labor issued orders that will have the effect of creating more citations by the MSHA inspectors. Citations do not necessarily increase safety. Positive or constructive suggestions work best and have for many years. This is not to excuse misguided management or careless miners who flaunt safety. Let’s hope that MSHA contributes to underground safety in a constructive manner as the years advance..

[Fred Cain]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6033

Scoop, Ryan & Group,

Here’s my two cent for whatever it may be worth – perhaps nothing.
First of all, OSTO is what many people refer to as a “penny stock” and like all penny stocks, there is risk involved. Why should we try and pretend that there isn’t?

As a general rule, I do not buy penny stocks under any circumstance or, uh, well, under ALMOST any circumstance.

I clearly made an exception with the Original Sixteen to One Mine for two reasons. One, I was most deeply impressed by Mr. Miller’s dedication and commitment to this enterprise. He will succeed or die trying. That being the case I was willing to try right along with him. If we fail, we will at least be able to say we gave it a genuine effort.

The other reason is more minor and some might say it sounds kinda silly, but the fact is that this is a most fascinating operation that employs traditional, “environmentally friendly” underground mining techniques including an underground railway.

Modern “trackless mining” can sometimes have a “get in and get out” mentality of making a fast buck and look for short term gains with no long-term vision. The very fact that they refuse to lay track suggests in my mind’s eye that their commitment is shallow. Not everyone will agree with that viewpoint, I know that, but that’s kind of the way I see things.

I hope and pray that Mike Miller and his fellow miners keep on digging. They might just find something, too. We already know it’s there but will we find it in time? Time and time alone will tell. Mike has my support 100%

Regards,
Fred M. Cain

[SCOOP]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6032

No worries on your concerns,Ryan, that Mike has cast aside seeking compatible sources of money. He’s been around long enough to avoid the hucksters. He’s been looking for that golden angel. He brought a group through Alleghany to inspect the mine and operation. Good prospect but chief investor took sick. He got nowhere with bankers. Have you tried to get a loan these days from a bank? Forget it unless you have good credit, earnings or net profit after filing taxes or your sister manages the bank.

No one would even consider bank rolling a gold mine with a $2 million lawsuit dangling overhead. Well, that’s gone, mid February 2015. Scoop knows those miners, sees them drive into Alleghany before 7am and out of town about 5pm. The office crew has same work ethic. People count, sure money greases the operation but do you know this? There is no other known lode gold mining going on in California’s Sierra gold belt. Odd?? Why?? No money funding gold mining. NO one gets it as in those long gone days before the 21st century. At $1200 an ounce California’s gold mine should be humming and you own a piece of the best there is. Hang tough, Ryan. The gold goddess is peeking at the Sixteen. Maybe she will extend her touch and your fortunes change. Hope you own a lot of shares when it happens.

[Ryan Baum]

in reply to: Clips from Alleghany #6031

I finally had a chance to read the OAU annual report today. While Mike Miller references his three written commitments from last year’s annual report, he didn’t report on the verbal commitment he made at last year’s annual meeting—this was going to be the make or break year. He made a commitment that either gold would be found to increase the cash position or he would begin discussion with investment bankers on funding options.

Although I won’t be able to attend this year’s annual meeting in person, I hope a shareholder raises this question and Mike provides specific plans on raising cash even if this requires equity dilution. To paraphrase a friend of mine, I’d rather have a smaller percent of something than a larger percent of nothing.

[Stephen Wilson]

in reply to: Gold Enters Major Bull Market #6030

Nice to hear what the brokerage firms and banks think of gold. It would be nice just once if someone had the balls to see the truth and report it.

In my opinion what’s happening with the thought process in the banks, mostly, it that get the public in again, what’s left of buyers with cash, and then pull the plug on them, it’s an old game.

Gold is not yet ready for prime time according to Martin Armstrong and his computer, Socrates. The day is coming within months that gold will break 1,000 but it will only be a temporary event. This is when the metal gets jump started to make new highs. It’s called, the public must first be cleaned out.

And the real reason gold moves from that suspected low is presented in the following article by Martin Armstrong:

Gold – the Hedge Against Government
Posted on May 28, 2015 by Martin Armstrong
US$20Gold-pile(picture could not be transferred)

I have stated countless time that gold is NOT the hedge against inflation, hyperinflation, the anti-fiat antagonist against the dollar, or manipulation that keeps gold down; paper gold suppresses the price, and anything of the sort that amounts to promotions or excuses. Gold has followed the deflationary trend in commodities, if you haven’t paid attention to oil, and money supply is not a one-to-one relationship with inflation, for this is a global economy driven by CONFIDENCE. All of that nonsense is pure BULLSHIT, to state it bluntly.

Every single one of those sales promotions are meaningless and most manipulations in metals have been to the upside to entice the unsuspecting to rush in and buy every single high before they crash it. This has been going on since the 1970s. I knew the Hunt brothers in the early 1970s. They became a household name when the promoters exposed them to for convincing people that they would see $100 silver, so buy now at $50.

All of these promotions existed for the 19-year decline from 1980 to 1999. They roll them out to dupe people into buying every rally and these same people pretend analysts are selling gold, which is a conflict of interest. Come on. Today there are more regulations to protect the public when buying a used car than there is for gold.

I am not selling gold. There is ALWAYS a time to BUY and there will be a time to SELL. Sorry, I am a trader first and foremost. Gold is the hedge against government. The low in terms of dollars is still probably not in place. Keep in mind that we may see a major rally in the dollar and that will help gold decline in dollars.

Bling

NEVERTHELESS, that is the TRADING view. Gold from the hedging perspective may have lost its movability. This will have some dampening effect in price long-term. However, if we are talking about trading, then there may be better opportunities than gold. Perhaps the way to make gold movable again is for everyone to start wearing “bling-bling” as they call it, perhaps 2-ounce wedding rings are in order.

If we are talking about hedging, then yes you should have some common gold coins or jewelry. Where to store them is another whole problem. So we are not talking about trading in this context. They are moving rapidly to shutdown paper currency for they see this as the only way to prevent a bank meltdown. Their solution is to collect all the taxes they ever dreamed of to prevent anyone from buying or selling without government approval, using terrorism and drug dealers as the prime excuse. Of course, how are the police going to make money? When I landed in Poland, big signs at the airport declared it was illegal to carry ANYTHING worth more than €10,000. This is going to be a very questionable future we face.

I remain skeptical that these people can hold on to power, for we may be facing a serious political meltdown come 2016 into 2017. Gold is the hedge against government, not fiat or inflation. In this context, coins of common date will be the best rather than bars. Of course, you may not be able to leave your home.

We cannot stop what is coming; we have to crash and burn. We are in a battle for our freedom and that of our children. This is the only reason I have not run off to a beach and retired. What about my own posterity? While the crash and burn is inevitable, perhaps we can reduce the pain if we push back when the time comes and prevent the complete loss of all rights, privileges, and immunities, which America once embodied in our Constitution, securing the right of citizens to travel from one state to another was already protected by the Privileges and Immunities clause.

[Author]

Posts