IRON INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 154, 26 March 1938, Page 12

IRON INDUSTRY

Proposed Establishment In Dominion MINISTER VISITS ONEKAKA English Experts To Arrive Shortly Bv Telegraph—Press Association. Nelson, March 25. Speaking on the projected establishment of an iron and steel industry, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, ( Hon. D. G. Sullivan, said to-day he was losing no time iu arranging for all preparatory work being put in hand. He had been visiting the Onekaka area to see the deposits of iron ore and obtain a comprehensive view of the area. Officers of the Minister’s department have been preparing data for some years now, but, nothwithstanding the work already accomplished, considerable investigation still remains. Surveys of coal, iron ore, and limestone deposits still require intensive effort, and the necessary work will be entrusted to various Government departments. All surveys of various phases of the problem will be co-ordinated in order that the way will be clear for starting constructional work at the earliest moment. Mr. Sullivan stated that about 3000 tons of manganese ore will be required annually for the production of pig iron. It is known there are several deposits of this ore in certain parts of the Dominion, and if ore of suitable quality can be found there will be no need ; to import it. "Nothing is being taken for granted, ’ said the Minister. "We will make certain that every step we take is correct. All data now on hand will be most carefully checked and surveys are being started immediately, both regarding the quality and quantity of ore. and every factor relating to the undertaking will be carefully weighed and examined.”

One of the most important considerations is the choice of a site for the industry. Many factors enter into this problem and at present the matter is being carefully reviewed. Mr. Sullivan pointed out that no matter where the site may be. Nelson district will benefit to a considerable degree. In the initial stages over 200,000 tons of iron ore will be quarried annually in the Onekaka area and possible 70.000 tons of limestone in tbe same area. The transport of iron and stebl products. as well t\s valuable by-products, will stimulate the coastal trade and create a considerable volume of employment. Mr. Sullivan mentioned among byproducts basic slag and sulphate of ammonia, which should specially benefit farmlands and orchards and alluded to the stimulus that will be given coal mining in Westport and Greymouth. Representatives of Brassert and Company, England will arrive ju the Dominion at an early date and many iuir portant questions should then speedily be finalised, including those concerning constructional work. Mr. Sullivan made an investigation of the ore-bearing area to-day and inspected the existing works. Later he viewed possible sites should the works be at Onekaka.