Speech #1020075465

The Calumet and Hecla Mining Co. was developing its operations at about the same time as the Quincy Co. Calumet and Hecla achieved high production figures and financial success by introducing methods to mine efficiently at great depths and exploit deposits with low mineral content. In 1868. its production outpaced the Quincy Co. In addition to the business acumen and fortitude that was necessary to make these copper mines successful another critical element was needed: people. Immigrant workers were an important part of this vast boom. They flooded in bringing new ways of thinking. new religions and new ideas about mining. The company towns became ethnic conglomerates with a diversity of religious and social groups.