Modern Equipment Cuts Costs at Bagdad

IN 1945 the Bagdad Copper Corp. decided to change from block caving to open-pit mining. By early 1948 the conversion was completed and production was increased from 1500 tons per day to 4000 tons per day. Open-pit mining costs decreased approximately 40 pet from the cost of producing ore by the underground method. At present one P & H model 1400 all-electric 4 1/2-yd shovel and one P & H model 1055 Diesel 3-yd shovel are used continuously for stripping. One 21/2yd North- west shovel handles the ore. Delivery of a new P & H 1055 electric shovel for stripping is expected this month. Blasthole drilling is performed with two Bucyrus model 22 and two Bucyrus model 27 churn drills.