154 GOLD MINING IX THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS.
ores, a state of affairs winch, under the present condition of gold mining in the South, seems difficult to attain. Several attempts have been made to gain this end, but have not been successful.
Taken as a whole, the gold ores of the Southern Appalachians present no greater difficulties of treatment than those of other fields, the distinguishing feature being perhaps their large variety, which makes a close study of each separate ore-body necessary.
As to the cost of labor in the South, it may be said that while it is low compared to that of the Western mining districts, and unskilled labor can be obtained at especially low cost, skilled labor commands about the same wages as throughout the East. It will be found here, as in other places, that the laborer is worthy of his hire. Some difficulty may be experienced in obtaining suitable labor, especially in those districts where no active mining work has been going on. In general there are no mining camps, in the Western sense of the word, and hence no regular mining population that might otherwise engender a more energetic mining spirit.
Among the facilities for operations in the South are the climate, which permits continuous working throughout the year; the accessibility of the mines to railroad lines, and their comparative proximity to investing Eastern capital. Lumber, timber and cord wood can be obtained at very low cost. Mining supplies and machinery are furnished from several central points in the field (Salisbury, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Atlanta). Water-power in most cases, however, undeveloped is abundant throughout a great portion of the mining belt. Should a revival in mining favor a development of properties in groups, central electric power distribution plants would be practicable in most districts.
Gold mining in the South has its favorable features, which should facilitate the economic working of the ore-deposits as legitimate business undertakings, with close and intelligent management. A considerable number of properties are at least worthy of investigation, and to the best of our belief, such investigations will disclose remunerative working opportunities, and will ultimately lead to a reasonable revival of gold mining in the South. Examinations would be greatly stimulated by more disinterested co-operation and reasonable demands of the mine owners, ultimately to their benefit. It is to be hoped that speculative investments in the Southern gold mines have had their day, and that all future operations will be conducted on such a business-like basis as begets confidence and stability.
