SEARCH FOR METALS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30313, 13 December 1963, Page 18

SEARCH FOR METALS

Field Tests To Be Made

(MX Press Association) IVERCARGIDL, Dec. 12.

Intensive geo:hem;cal survey* to determine the extent of copper, nickel, zinc and other ba»e metal* in the Upper Shot over area and around the Longwood* range will be carried out this summer by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research teams.

If the analysts find the areas could have economic deposits of particular base metals, prospecting by trenching or drilling will probably follow. Already several samples have been taken from areas east of Queenstown and these are be .ng analysed at the Dunedin laboratory of the DSI.R.

As a result of the findings from these samples, the teams will go into the areas this month or next month.

The district geologist at Dunedin, Mr B. Wood, said the geochemical technique was aimed at detecting possible ore bodies of a wide range of elements and base metals such as copper, zinc, and so on,” be said, “But it is of little use in detecting the precious metals.” The Upper Sbotover and Longwools were likely areas for deposits. However, the field team would determine that when tests were started. Once values of ore were assessed, drilling or trenching would probably begin. Copper would probably be found in the Sbotover and copper, nickel and zinc in the Longwood*. But whether they were economic sources was difficult to say.