1936 Print Copper Ore Pine Oil Anaconda Copper Mining Miner Prospecting FZ2

This is an original 1936 halftone print of copper being pulled from the sand-fine ore at the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. The caption writes, "Copper is concentrated by flotation out of a mud of sand-fine ore, agitated and aerated, the cupriferous particles, though they are the heaviest, are borne to the surface in a bubbly froth, held together with pine oil, for which they have an affinity. This is skimmed off; the rest is waste."

The Anaconda Copper Mining Company, previously known as the Amalgamated Copper Mining Company, was founded in 1881. Butte was the first mine purchased. It was a silver mine, but soon, after mining began, it was realized that there were also large deposits of copper as well. Mining increased through the 1920s, but the Great Depression took a massive toll on the mining company. The beginning of World War II pushed the mining industry into action again with the need for war materials.

Photography by William M. Rittase (1894-1968). He was an American photographer active from the 1920s to the 1930s. He is best known for his industrial photography and portraits often used in Fortune Magazine.

CONDITION

This 75+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine+. Light aging throughout. No creases. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage. Please note that there is print on the reverse.

• Product Type: Original Halftone Print; Black / White
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine+
• Dimensions: Approximately 4 x 3.75 inches; 10 x 10 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Keywords specific to this image: metal, metallic, prospectors, industry, Cu, Chemical Element

FZ2A12C36