Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image

Study Of Christmas Island Phosphate

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 5. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Taiboys) left New Zealand today for a fortnight’s visit to Christinas Island to investigate the extent of phosphate resources.

His visit is being made at the invitation of the British phosphate commissioners who control the working of phosphate deposits. In July this year, the New Zealand and Australian Governments approved a development programme aimed at increasing the annual output of phosphate from Christmas Island to 1.6 million tons. h The present output level Is ■ 780.000 tons. ■ Mr Taiboys said that the I possibility of raising annual

production to more than 2.5 million tons was being studied. He said at present only high-grade phosphate deposits were being extracted from the islands—but recent experiments had indicated that some of the low-phosphatic content deposits could be treated to make them suitable for agricultural use. Under the development programme approved last July—and expected to cost £2.2 million—low-grade deposits would also be-worked.

This article text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see article in its original form.
Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19661206.2.165

Bibliographic details

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31235, 6 December 1966, Page 20

Word Count
164

Study Of Christmas Island Phosphate Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31235, 6 December 1966, Page 20

Study Of Christmas Island Phosphate Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31235, 6 December 1966, Page 20