Spring 2009, Tripp Mine looking south
The mining hat gets put on and the gem cutting hat is almost on the hook. This past week and half we have been getting the Tripp mine ready for production. Every year is different depending on what the winter weather left and how well the equipment stood up during it’s dormant period. This year was not too bad (as per now).
The road had some washout and the loader & excavator started up. The excavator needs some attention but for now it’s working ok. The compressor is still mouthed balled and we will find out this week as to its functionality.
Because of the fuel cost last year, I left a lot of waste rock in or near the working area. Now we are moving this material out and it is taking longer than we thought. This effort has to be completed before we start any serious mining. After words we will be able to read the rock and start mining. To give you an idea about what we mean about reading the rock, check out the lower pictures. They show what we like to see. Smoky quartz and feldspar crystals always lead to gem beryl. while trying to cut out the specimen I sawed into a gem crystal below the specimen crystal.
Spring 2009, specimen-over view
Spring 2009, cutting out the specimen
The crew and I invited the Connecticut Valley mineral club officers to the mine to collectect from the dumps after the winter/early spring wash-down. This is the first time we have done it and the event became a very enjoyable time. We will do it again for 2010.
That’s it for now
Jim
Spring 2009, CVMC officers checking out the silent auction