2019 DONOVAN MILL PROJECTS

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1. Valley gutter interior wall

Nevada Structure Movers raised the deteriorated valley gutter, deteriorated support and adjacent rafters. Volunteers rebuilt the 80 foot valley gutter wall with 6×6 columns and 6×6 beams, provided by Truckee Tahoe Lumber Company. Platforms around the tanks were rebuilt and fastened to the new wall. 


 

2. Electrical

Ascension Power Engineeringprovided permit drawings for installation of electrical distribution and lighting for the machine shop, office and refinery.  Briggs Electric Incwill oversee the electrical work, provide most labor for installation and supply all materials.

Ascension Power Engineeringinspected the power lines coming to the mill site.  3-phase power is not available at the Donovan Mill, but will be required to operate the 40hp stamp mill motor.  CFHC is working with Ascension Power Engineeringand NV Energyon this project.


 

3. Machine shop

Clampers and other volunteers removed 2- 40 yd dumpsters of debris from machine shop and surroundings.

Plywood and plastic covering the window frames was removed; over 60 panes of glass purchased from Capital Glasswere installed, creating a sunshine lit shop!

A metal turning lathe, drill press and chain hoist were donated by Chris and Penny Kiechler, bellows was donated by Fred and Barbara Garrett and an ore car was donated by Comstock Mining Inc and all are located in the machine shop.

Upper level storage area was nearly full of old furniture and junk. Two truck and trailer loads were hauled to the transfer station. Mill artifacts were organized.


 

4. Office

Many boxes of documents were recovered from the office vault. Volunteers organized the documents and they are stored off site.  Debris and old furniture pieces were disposed of.  The office was painted, linoleum removed and floors refinished.  Lateral filing cabinets were placed in the office to hold a Nevada book collection donated by Daniel Bowers.


 

5. Stairs to crusher

Access to the crusher area is in the process of being improved.  The Clampers installed railroad tie stairs and the volunteers are working on a stairway and platform to the crusher location.


 


The Comstock Foundation • PO Box 61 • 680 American Flat Road • Gold Hill • Nevada • 89440

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