IRON DEPOSITS

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

IRON DEPOSITS

♦ . LABORATORY MAKES MANY ANALYSES LOW-SULPHUR COALS NEED TO BE CONSERVED WELLINGTON. July 31. "The most outstanding work on the mineral side has been the regular analyses for the Iron and Steel Department of iron ore, following the systematic exploration of the " Onekaka deposit, and of iron-sands from the Patea deposits, which it is proposed to use in conjunction with the Onekaka ore," stales the annual report of the Mines Department in referring to the work of the Dominion Laboratory. “Iron was determined in 1142 samples, and fuller analyses made when required. Twenty-six samples of limestone adjacent to Onekaka were also analysed, and one sample of dolomite from Mount Burnett. “The most important work of the coal survey during the year had relation to the proposed iron and steel industry, and indicated that to provide sufficient suitable coke from local sources, drastic conservation of the Dominion’s low-sulphur coals would be necessary. “Other analyses were carried out as required, especially with regard to the fuller use of local coals in th? gas industry.' and cases of complaint investigated. An analysis was made of water from the State coal mine to enable a suitable resistant metal to be selected for the mine pump. Fortysix samples of mine air from Glen Alton, Ironbridge, Kamo, and Linton collieries were analysed. “Prospectors’ samples for the year were again few in number, and of comparatively little value. Those sent in for assay for gold and silver were mostly from wellknown mining localities, , and were almost without exception of low grade. A sample of scheelite was received from Wakamarina. whore :ts occurrence is well known, mid specimens of osmiridium from Takaka, and magnetic iron-ore from D’Urville Island, Antimony ore of good quality was forwarded from Waikare basin, near Russell, probably from the old workings which exist there. Definite interest continues to bo shown in manganese, the best samples coming from Waikare basin, where it was formerly worked, and from Otaua, in the Lower Waikato. “The possibility of the development of deposits of non-mctallic minerals is being more generally recognised. Bentonite occurrences in Hawke’s Bay have been examined by the Geological Survey, and numerous analyses made. Feldspar, at present a waste product at the Charleston mica mine, was examined for its potash content, which was found to be 12.4 per cent. The possible use of serpentine as a desirable addition to superphosphate hasi been investigated. Numerous clays have been analysed, one from Kaka. near Glenhope, of low fusibility, being 'particularly promising as a stoneware clay.”