N.Z. ALUMINIUM DEPOSITS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28950, 18 July 1959, Page 14

N.Z. ALUMINIUM DEPOSITS

Production Discussed In Report If relatively low-cost electric power is available, New Zealand may be able to develop her own deposits of aluminium ore, the Department of Scientific apd Industrial Research comments in its annual report. During a survey by the Soil Bureau of the mineral colloids In New Zealand soils, low-grade aluminium ore was found to cover large areas, the report says. It occurred, as it did in Hawaii, in the sub-surface clays of mature soil types derived from deeply weathered basic rocks. Two samples were of high quality, and in co-operation with the Geological Survey a search for areas of high-grade ore was being made. “The production of aluminium from its ores is a very costly process; transport and power being the main items of cost,” the report continues. “The bulky ore has often to be transported many thousands of miles to the refining plant, which must be located close to a source of electric power. Huge quantities of power, in excess of 20,000 kilowatt hours a ton of aluminium produced, are required in the process. “The deposits in New Zealand are easily accessible. They occur on easy rolling country in well-roaded areas which are only a few miles from a deepwater harbour.”