MINING NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 234, 3 October 1934, Page 4

MINING NEWS.

RIMU DREDGE. The success or the Rimu dredge, near Hokitika, illustrates the value of bigscale operations and modern plant in the recovery of gold. According to the mine's statement, the dredge, during the year 10315, put through 2,048,750 cubic yards of gravels, having an average depth of 44ft. In this turnover the dredge worked SS.9 por cent of the possible digging period, the material treated being 449 cubic yards on hour. The yardage handled during the year was treated at an average cost of 4.9-d a cubic yard, which figure includes depreciation, overhead, and all operating expenses. The end of the year finds the dredge in firstclass running condition, together -with an ample supply of replacement and repair part requirements on hand. The yield of gold for the year amounted to 14,073 ounces, having a New Zealand value of £110,071 3/11, and representing a gravel value of O.Old a cubic yard, based o.n the ruling price of gold at the time of sale. The total yield of gold since the commencement of operations amounts to 141.395 ounces, valued at £677,014 0/. The dredge employs 43 hands.

MINE MANAGERS' REPORTS.

Big River.—Report for week ending September 27:—No. 3 crosscut: Distance driven Bft. Distance driven from south drive 233 ft. Distance from shaft 430 ft. Country of better class. Small quartz leader in the face to-day. No. 3 slopes: These stopes are almost finished. No. 4 north drive: 311 ft from shaft. The reef has now been cut through its full width (Bft Gin). Driving on strike north and south has advanced 10ft. No. 1 level: Prospecting continues, nothing of importance disclosed yet.