Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company

Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company

Company type	Private
Industry	Gold mining
Founded	1911 (1911)
Defunct	Template:End date and age
Headquarters	New York City, New York, United States
Area served	Alaska
Key people	Charles Hayden, President
Products	Gold ore
Owner	Alaska Gold Mines Co.
Number of employees	900

The Alaska-Gastineau Mining Company operated out of offices located at 25 Broad St. in New York City, serving as the operational branch for Alaska Gold Mines Co. within Alaska. It oversaw the Alaska-Gastineau Mine—also known as the Perseverance Mine—situated in the Silver Bow Basin approximately from Juneau. Ore was processed at a refurbished mill and crushing facility positioned at Sheep Creek. To the west, the neighboring property was held by the Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Co.

History

At the turn of the 20th century, Joseph Gilbert acquired the Perseverance mining claims and, alongside Col. W. J. Sutherland, established the Alaska Perseverance Mining Co., which commenced milling operations in 1907. This company reorganized in 1910 as the Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co., officially incorporating in New York in 1911. The following year, in 1912, the Alaska Gold Mines Co. emerged as a holding entity to provide capital for extensive development activities that started in July of that year.

The mill, situated in Thane, Alaska, was designed by George Bradley—who also designed the Utah Copper Company mill. Excavation for its foundations began in November 1913 under the supervision of Robert Semple, with construction managed by Daniel C. Jackling, the managing director. After 1910, Bartlett L. Thane, noted for advancing hydroelectric power projects in Juneau, assumed the role of managing director. Machinery installation was overseen by Charles E. Bruff, while Charles Hayden held the presidency.

By 1913, the workforce numbered around 900 employees. The initial segment of the reduction plant started operating on February 18, 1915, achieving a daily ore processing capacity of 4,000 tons by mid-year. In 1934, all assets and properties of Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co. were acquired by the Alaska Juneau Mining Company.

Holdings

As of 1915, the company controlled a total of 2,166 acres comprising 1,672 acres of lode claims, 219 acres designated as placer claims, and an additional 275 acres allocated to millsites and homesteads. The mining claims were divided into four principal groups: "Alaska Perseverance," "Ground Hog," "Silver Bow Basin," and "Sheep Creek," collectively covering a lode system extending over two miles in length. Furthermore, ownership included a 310-acre millsite on the Gastineau Channel, along with land holdings encompassing reservoir locations, power plant sites, and rights-of-way spanning Salmon Creek, Annex Creek, Carlson Creek, Granite Creek, Gold Creek, and Lurvey Creek.

Operations

The milling complex consisted of four distinct sections housed within a substantial concrete and steel structure. The coarse-crushing plant was positioned on a mountainside at the railroad's end point, situated at an elevation of 125 feet above sea level. The fine-crushing facility was co-located with the concentrating mill; its lowest floor stood at 192 feet above sea level to enable tailings discharge directly into Gastineau Channel.

Operational power demands totaled approximately 6,000 horsepower supplied by two Salmon Creek hydroelectric plants owned by the company—one located near sea level close to the stream's mouth and another positioned at an elevation of 350 feet below nearby falls. A concrete dam created a reservoir capable of holding 19,000 acre-feet of water to ensure continuous Pelton wheel operation throughout winter months.

The company also provided community amenities including a post office housed within its general store and an educational facility situated in a building furnished by the company. Private enterprises operated nearby with company approval; however, liquor sales were restricted to establishments located in Douglas or Juneau.

Major projects

During the tenure of CEO Bartlett Lee Thane, the company completed significant developments including the Salmon Creek Dam along with its hydroelectric installations in 1912, followed by the Annex Creek facility finalized in 1916. Both projects were designed by engineer Harry L. Wallenberg. The Salmon Creek Dam gained distinction as the pioneering thin arch dam, constructed with the collaboration of Thane’s former teammates from his football days.

Archives

• Alaska Gastineau Mining Company Annual Reports. 1916–1920. 0.58 cubic feet.
• Edwin Gardner Ames Papers. 1856–1931. Approximately 70 cubic feet. Preserved at the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.
• Asahel Curtis photographs. 1874–1941. 5.46 cubic feet (13 boxes), 1,678 prints.