Letters HIGHLAND VALLEY HISTORY

In your December, 1987, issue there appears an article by David Duval headed “The History of Highland Valley Copper,” which states the following:

“Discovered in the early 1960s by Egil Lorntzsen, the Lornex orebody was the first porphyry copper deposit developed in British Columbia’s Highland Valley. Shortly thereafter, the larger and higher-grade Valley orebody was found a few kilometres to the north.” It is my opinion, formed after a long-time association with the mining industry in British Columbia and Yukon Territory, that the article by Mr Duval is unintentionally misleading. Checking an older issue of the Canadian Mines Handbook (1978-79), it is stated that “Bethlehem Copper Corp. started milling on Dec 1, 1962, at a capacity of 3,000 tpd” (and later substantially increased). The same handbook states that “Lornex Mining Corp. commenced production during October, 1972, at 38,000 tpd” (and again later substantially increased).

It is generally recognized by our local mining fraternity that the late H. H. “Spud” Huestis was the first man, a prospector, to develop a porphyry copper deposit in the Highland Valley area and, together with financial partners, bring it into production. Full credit should be given to him for that outstanding achievement.

As stated in the Duval article, Egil Lorntzsen, another well-known prospector, did discover the Lornex property, for which he too should receive a great deal of credit.

Geologists on the staff of Cominco Ltd. did discover, by diamond drilling, the important Valley copper deposit, and they too should be recognized for the important part they played in helping to establish this as one of North America’s leading copper/molybdenum producers.

I do not intend to deal with more recent developments in the Highland Valley, but I have always felt that it is important to accurately establish historical information if it is to be of any importance. Thomas Elliott, Mining Consultant, Vancouver