THE LA MONTE GOLD-SAVING PROCESS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 843, 9 June 1885, Page 3

THE LA MONTE GOLD-SAVING PROCESS.

The quartz, by this process, is reduced to a fluid state, and the gold melted out under conditions which prevent its loss. The fuel required is comparatively limited, the sulphur, etc., in the quartz supplying much of the reducing heat required. Upon an average, about 95 per cent, of gold in the stone w saved by this process, and the cost of working is comparatively small. In some cases, where the ores are not so refractory, even a higher percentage of the gold or silver in the stone is obtained, but an average of 95 per cent, saved will work a revolution at the Thames. The invention is known as " The Water Jacket Air Blasting Smelting Furnace." As an instance of what can be done by its use, we may state what has taken place at the Sunny Corner Silver-mining Company, New 'Sbirth Wales. When Mr La Monte went there the Company's mine was comparatively valueless, owing to the refractory character of the ore. He told the directors what he could do for them, but they would not believe him. They would incutno expense in erecting the furnace, etc., and at last he erected one at his own cost under an arrangement with the Company. Ninety clays' running of that furnace not only enabled the Company to pay for the furnace and all expenses connected with it, but for the assaying apparatus, etc., and paying dividends to the value of £1(5,000 besides. This is a startling result. The furnace is so constructed that it may be run night and day continuously for any length of time. The smallest size used is one capable of dealing with 10 tons of ore per diem, but Mr La Monte considers those of a capacity of 30 to 40 tons of ore per day a far more profitable size. Furnaces, however, have been constructed capable of dealing with 140 tons of ore per diem. — N. Z. Herald.