NEW USES FOR STEEL

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 114, 7 February 1930, Page 10

NEW USES FOR STEEL

VOGUE FOR RUSTLESS METAL MINING EXPERTS VIEWS “Stainless steel is occupying the researches of metallurgists all over the world, and just lately It has been applied to dental plates and, In a very different field, to boiler plates,” said Mr. G. A. Gillies, Associate Professor of Mining of the University of British Columbia, yesterday. Mr. Gillies is en route to South Africa as a Canadian representative of the Empire Mining Congress, a triennial gathering. Proceedings will open in South Africa on March 24 and conclude on May 9. The selection of South Africa on this occasion will permit a special investigation of copper resources by British engineers from all over the world. Mr. Gillies stated that recent revolutionary changes in ore treatment had resulted in a vigorous revival of mining in British Columbia. The Pacific Coast yielded complex ores which had only been trifled with by gravity processes. Interminable litigation had followed the inauguration of the flotation method of treatment, but the new method was now being widely applied. “I think the price of zinc must fall as the result of scientific developments,” said Mr. Gillies. “Zinc is used extensively for galvanising and in the making of brass. Rustless steel, trespasses on both these. Another influence on zinc values is the substantial supply yielded in the production of copper. Previously the zinc was lost in smelting, but the flotation process permits copper producers to secure the zinc as a by-product. They are able to offer it at prices which cut out the pure zinc mine.” While in South Africa the geological section of the congress will inspect the copper concessions in Northern Rhodesia. Here half a dozen aeroplane stations have been established for air survey work. After mapping, prospecting parties are sent for preliminary investigation of copper deposits.