This
table shows that the production of silver as reported by the mines has
increased from 50,875,787 fine ounces in 1908 to 78,857,533 ounces in
1916. The production from siliceous, copper, lead, zinc, and lead-zinc
ores all show an increase. The recoveries from dry or siliceous ores
reached its apex in 1913 when the yield from Tonopah mines was at its
zenith, and the production in 1916 was about 3,400,000 ounces less than
it was in 1913. The yield of silver from copper ores has increased from
13,955,436 ounces in 1907 to 24,541,234 ounces in 1916, or about 76 per
cent. The total yield of silver from zinc ores has been comparatively
small, though the output from that kind of ore increased from 37,605
ounces in 1908 to nearly 1,300,000 ounces in 1916. The combined
production of silver from lead and lead-zinc ore increased from
14,772,389 ounces in 1908 to 27,788,727, or nearly 90 per cent.
DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTION OF GOLD AND SILVER BY METHODS
OF TREATMENT.
In
the following table is given a summary of the distribution of the
production of gold and saver in the United States in 1916, showing (1)
total crude ore, tailings, and slags sold or treated; (2) crude ore
treated in gold and silver mills; (3) crude ore concentrated and
resulting concentrates; (4) crude ore shipped to smelters; (5) old
tailings and slags treated. The last four items include recoverable
gold and silver content in fine ounces.
Distribution of gold and silver produced in 1916, by States.a
