MINERAL WEALTH OF DOMINION

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23087, 1 August 1940, Page 8

MINERAL WEALTH OF DOMINION

♦ YEAR’S OPERATIONS REVIEWED BIG INCREASE IN GOLD PRODUCTION [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.! WELLINGTON, July 31. The value of mineral production in New Zealand during 1939 was £467,916 greater than in the previous year, according to statistics in the Mines Statement tabled in the House of Representatives to-day by the Minister for Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb. _ The greatest increases were shown in the case of gold and silver (£352,923), and coal (£120.551). The gold production was greater than in any of the previous 19 years. The following table shows the quantity and value of the production of metalliferous mines, stone quarries, and coal mines during 1939 and 1938: — 1939. 1938. Mineral Quantity Value Quantity Value . £ £ Gold & silver (oz.) 569,297 1,566,977 509,759 1,214,054 Platinum (oz.) 13 6-20 104 16-20 7 Iron-ore (tons) 1,586 3.018 1,218 3,666 Stone Pumice (tons) 3,680 2-20 11.172 3,046 8,811 Coal (tons) 2,342,639 2,342,639 2,222,088 2,222,088 Tungstenore (tons) 41 8,240 45 13-20 8.604 Manganese ore (tons) 486 1,944 90 450 Silica sand (tons) 2,335 2,227 1.459 1,126 Quicksilver (lb) Fuller's earth (tons) 73 18-20 233 56 154 Diatomaceous earth (tons) . Mica (tons) 18-20 -12 Totals The value of minerals, including kauri gum, exported, and of the coal used in the Dominion amounted to £4,132,476, as compared with £3,672,075 during 1938. The total value of such minerals exported to the end of 1939 amounted to £207,680,483. Gold Production Compared “During the year 569,2970z of bullion, valued at £1,566,977, was produced, an increase in quantity of 59,5380z, and in value of £352,923, as compared with the previous year,” states the report. “The .gold content of the bullion is estimated at 178,9550z, valued at £1,530,857. The estimated gold production for the last 10 years has been as follows: — Year. Oz. 1930 .. .. .120,931 1931 .. .. 129,861 1932 .. .. 166,354 1933 .. .. 161,755 1934 .. .. 160,248 1935 .. .. 165,277 1936 .. .. 164,575 1937 .. .. 168,487 1938 .. .. 152.050 1939 .. .. 178,955 Increase in Dredging “Production from alluvial mines (18,512oz) shows a decrease of 14170z, dredges (77.0380z) an increase of 24,31G0z, and quartz mines <83,0450z) an increase of 4COCoz compared with the previous year. . It is apparent that the scope for alluvial mining must diminish progressively. A large number of the areas now being worked in this way are located in places where the maintenance of an adequate water supply is the major problem in the way of efficient and continuous operation. “The increased yield from quartz mines is entirely due to greater production from the existing mines, no new areas of any great moment having been opened up during the year. “The major proportion of the increased yield is from the dredging 'claims, from which moi‘e than 43 per cent, of the total production of gold was secured during the year. The development of the dredging industry was accelerated and made possible by the decision of the Government a few years ago to link up the West Coast, with the main hydro-electric system of the South Island thereby ensuring for the industry an adequate supply of cheap power. “Twenty-three dredges operated during the year. 17 .on the West Coast and six in Otago and Southland. Two relatively small dredges ceased to operate and toward the end of the year the large Arahura dredge went into commission. Next year it is expected that three new substantial dredges, Ngahere, Snowy river, and Lowburn, will commence production. Plans are under way for seven more dredges to operate on areas tested by boring. The total number of men employed at gold mines was 2794, a decrease of 204.