GOLD PRODUCTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 27, 31 July 1940, Page 9

GOLD PRODUCTION

INCREASED RETURNS

EFFECT OF DREDGING

Increased dredging in New Zealand resulted in a upward trend in gold returns. during 1939, the gold won exceeding any other year during the last nineteen years. This information is contained in the Mines Statement which has been presented to Parliament by the Minister of Mines (the Hon; P. C. Webb). There was also a considerable increase in the production of platinum, iron ore, and manganese ore during the year.

"During the year 569,2970z of bullion, 'valued at £1,566,977, was produced, an increase in quantity of 59,5380z, and in value of £352,923, as compared with the previous year," the report states. "The gold content of the bullion is estimated at 178,9550z, valued at £1,530,857. .

j "It is pleasing to record an increase lof 26,9050z in the production of gold compared with the previous' year; in fact, the production for the year under review has not been exceeded during the past nineteen years. Production from alluvial mines (18,512oz) shows a decrease of 14170z, dredges (777,038 oz) an increase of 24,3160z, and quartz mines (83,0450z) an increase of 46060z compared with the previous year. It is apparent that the scope for alluvial mining must diminish progressively. A large number of the areas now being worked in this way are located in places where the maintenance of an adequate water supply is the major problem in the way of efficient and continuous operation. The increased yield from quart mines is entirely due to greater production from the existing mines, no new areas of any great moment having been opened up during the year. "The major proportion of the increased yield is from the dredging claims, from which over 43 per cent, of the total production of gold was secured during the year. The development of the dredging industry was accelerated and made possible by the decision of the Government a few years ago to link up the West Coast with the main hydro-electric system of the South Island, thereby ensuring for the industry an adequate supply of cheap power. "Twenty-three dredges operated during the year, seventeen on the West Coast, and six in Otago and Southland. Two relatively small dredges ceased to operate during the year, and towards the latter part of the year the large Arahura Dredge went into commission During next year it is expected that three new substantial dredges will commence producing, the Ngahere, Snowy River, and Lowburn dredges. In addition, plans are well under way for the1 construction of seven more dredges to operate on areas tested by boring. "The amount of goldfields revenue received and credited to the accounts of local bodies during the year ended March 31, 1940, was £19,272 12s 6d, an increase of £1046 0s 5d compared with the previous year. The total of all duties on exported gold amounted to £213,321 11s 5d."