Mother Lode Coalition Mines Co. - 1920's-1940's dated Alaska Mining Stock Certificate

Stock with nice mining vignette printed by American Bank Note. Attractive! Available in Blue or Brown. Please specify color.

The Mother Lode Coalition Mines Co., a prominent copper mining operation near McCarthy, Alaska, played a pivotal role in the larger Kennecott mining complex during the early 20th century. Established as the Mother Lode Copper Mines Company of Alaska, the mine was situated on the northern slope of Lookout Mountain, connected to the same rich vein system as the nearby Bonanza Mine. Renowned for its exceptionally rich chalcocite ore, a significant portion of which was high-grade enough to be shipped directly to a smelter without extensive processing.

However, accessing the mine posed significant challenges due to its rugged terrain and frequent avalanches that plagued its original tramway and camp. These difficulties led to substantial operational difficulties in its early years.

In 1919, Kennecott acquired a controlling interest in the company, renaming it the Mother Lode Coalition Mines Company. This new ownership integrated the mine into the broader Kennecott network, establishing underground shafts and tunnels that connected it to the Bonanza Mine. The problematic original tramway was abandoned, and the ore was subsequently hoisted through the Bonanza Mine’s facilities, showcasing an innovative engineering solution to the region’s challenging geography.

Like other Kennecott mines (Bonanza, Jumbo, Erie, and Glacier), the Mother Lode operation eventually ceased production when the high-grade copper ore was depleted. Consequently, the entire camp was abruptly closed in July 1938. Today, the abandoned mine and surrounding facilities are part of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.