Apdo. Postal 31-243 Guadalajara 5, Jalisco Mexico
October 30, 1971
Mr. Weston Bourret
Vice President
Utah International Inc.
550 California Street
San Francisco, California 94104
Bear Wes:
Attached is my preliminary report on copper exploration activity in Mexico and in particular in the State of Sonora, Mexico.
The two weeks period allowed from the reciept of your letter of October 8, 1971 occurred at a time both fortunate end unfortunate. Several of the people were out of town and on the other hand, they were all collected at Hermosillo, Sonora for the national convention of the Association of Mining. Metallurgical Engineers and Geologists of Mexico.
I have tried to cross-check the data supplied in this report with as many people as possible within the time limits of a few days. I believe the data is fairly accurate and is representative of who are significantly active in Mexico in copper exploration and the overall extent of this activity.
Now th8t the general outline picture of copper exploration activity in Mexico has been roughly established and sources of information sorted out, I feel sure that if more detailed information is wanted on specific situations I will know how and where to obtain it for you.
It was a pleasure and a satisfying experience to work on this assignment. The opportunity was much appreciated.
Very truly yours, Philip B Dettmer
Philip B. Dettmer Consulting Engineer
November 15, 1971
Mr. Philip B. Dettmer
Mineral and Metallurgical Consultant
Apdo Postal 31-243
Guadalajara 5, Jalisco
Mexico
Dear Phil:
Many thanks for your letter and report of October 30 on copper exploration activity in Sonora.
We do appreciate that the short time available did not permit much of an in-depth investigation; unfortunately, perhaps I underestimated the role and function of the Chamber of Mines in Mexico City.
Someone told me that this group had their finger on pretty much of what was going on in copper exploration. This led me to suggest your looking in on the Chamber.
The program and agenda of the Mining Engineers Meeting in Hermisio looks pretty good and I have gotten quite a bit out of reading the abstracts on exploration.
I gain the impression that the La Caridad discovery, or more properly, rediscovery, has triggered the current wave of interest. No doubt this activity will be continued.
I have approved your statement and expense account so a check should be forth-coming fairly soon.
Under separate cover, I am mailing you, via airmail, the book you were kind enough to loan me entitled, A guide to Business in Mexico.
In order to mount and staff a search program in Mexico, would, in my opinion, require a large and continuing budget; something along the lines of what Placer Development and/or Asarco are doing, i.e., a few million dollars over a period of five years. One of the problems and unknown elements we run into is taxes, for no one apparently knows if the export and ad valorem tax on metals will be modified in favor of the producer.
Best regards and hope you are fine.
Sincerely yours, Weston Bourret
WB/nam Vice President
cc HDouglas
