1980-07-11_REVISION - M1977493 (8)

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The Climax Company mined with a shrinkage stope method through the old Leal Tunnel above timberline. The ore was crushed near the tunnel portal and transported down the mountainside by an aerial jigback bucket tramway to the mill . Molybdenum Products Company used the same procedures in mining the Denver claim. It' s mill was located to the north on a site that would be between the present Robinson Tailing Pond and the original Climax tailing pond . Both companies ceased operation in 1919 . Molybdenum Products Co. had depleted the ore reserves of the Denver claim and the Climax Company had built substantial inventories of it' s product due to a sharp drop in market demand. At the time of it' s closing , the Climax Mine processed about 250 tons of ore per day and employed about 250 people. In response to improved market conditions, the mine reopened in August, 1924. Tonnage and construction of addi- tional facilities increased from year to year . In the 1930 ' s, the upper levels of the Climax Mine (Leal and White Tunnels) were abandoned. Underground produc- tion shifted to the Phillipson Level opened in 1930. In 1936 , the original tailing area was closed at its location adjoining the mill complex. This original pond had permitted seep water and some of the tailing solids to enter Tenmile Creek drainage from time to time. Robinson Pond replaced the original tailing pond. By the 1950 ' s, seep water returns were in operation and solid waste disposal was under control , eliminating adverse influ- ences beyond the Climax property lines. In the early 1950 ' s development of a new major pro- duction level at the Climax Mine was begun. This required site preparation and construction of additional surface facilities near the portal located in the Arkansas River Valley. Called the Storke Level , it now supports nearly half of the Climax daily production. In the 1960 ' s another tailing deposition area was needed and developed . Called the Tenmile Tailing Pond, it occupies the area due south of the old Kokomo townsite . 3-4