GOLD PRODUCTION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 118, 12 February 1940, Page 12

GOLD PRODUCTION

Increase In Recent Years The impetus given to world gold production in the last decade is reflected m the output for 1939, which, according to a recent cable from London, is estimated at 39,300,000 ounces fine. This easily surpasses the previous record production of 36.750,000 ounces in 1938. During the past seven years, a period of increases in the price of the metal, world production has risen by, slightly more than 60 per cent. WORLD GOLD PRODUCTION.

(In fine ounces.) 1932 24,301,000 1933 25,335,000 1934 ’ ’ 27,295,000 1935 29,584,000 1936 33,109,000 1937 34,783,000 1938 ” 36,7'50,000 1939 39,300.000

Though the proportion of world gold produced within the British Empire fed from 69.5 per cent, in 1932 to 56.2 per cent in 1936. it had increased again to 57.4 per cent, in 1938, a rate which would have been at least maintained last year. Canada and Australia have been among the countries showing the largest relative increases for several years. South Africa’s share is approximately one-third of the world total. Worksop Extended Dividend The directors of Worksop Extended Gold Dredging Company, Limited have declared a dividend (No. 14) of 10 per cent., free of income tax, on all the shares in the company, payable on Monday. February 19. This dividend represents a distribution of £1660 to the shareholders. The sum of £l6O has been placed to the general reserve fund, which now stands at £2-40. Transfer books will be closed from February 14 to 19. both days inclusive. Gold Mining Returns The White's Electric dredge returned 360 z. from 10.000 yards. IBy Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, February 10. The Argo dredge return was 260 z. for 119 hours from 7000 yards. Mount Lyell Production The Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Co.. Ltd., has issued the following progress report for the fortnight ended January 17:—North Lyell: Tons extracted 2052. Crown Lyell : Tons extracted West Lyell: Tons extracted 38,244. Ore transfer pass—Construction work in progress. Lyell Comstock : Tons extracted 3164. No. 7 level, No. 4 mullock pass rise extended 15ft. to 20ft. through mineralized quartzite ami schist; No. 10 level, main shaft, sunk 3ft. to 715 ft. (lOSlt. below No. 10 level) through conglomerate and porphyry. Reduction works: Furnace in blast full period: 3315 tons refitiery anodes made for current year. Concentrator: Mill operated 336 hours and treated 44.581 tons ore. producing 1772 tons concentrates. Copper refinery : 'Tank house in operation throughout fortnight, 522 tons cathode copper produced for period. Total for current year 3761 tons