SCHEELITE ORE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20486, 21 February 1941, Page 11

SCHEELITE ORE

DOMINION OUTPUT BIG INCREASE WANTED WAR EQUIPMENT NEEDS MARKET IN BRITAIN (Pop Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The importance of increasing the production of scheelite in the Dominion was stressed by the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, in a statement saying that satisfactory arrangements for the marketing of the whole of the ore had been completed with the Imperial Government and it was of paramount importance that the output should be accelerated because of the value of the mineral in the production of equipment directly associated with the war. During 1940 approximately 75 tons had been produced and exported, compared with 41 and 46 tons in the two previous years.

He said that individual miners operating on a small scale had been subsidised and assisted with the purchase of stores. From this source approximately 10 tons had been obtained. In addition, financial assistance had been granted to other concerns working on a larger scale. The assistance had been mainly for the purchase and erection of battery plant compressors, jack-hammers and other gear. Advances had also been made for development work in mines-, for the improvement of roads, and better access to some of the mines. Over £3OOO had been made available in this way.

In the Marlborough area, the department was operating a mine on its own account. Development had been difficult because it was 1800 ft. above sea level on a mountain side. Up to the end of January £2765 had been expended. The ore was at present being stored pending the installation of a treatment plant. Whatever assistance it was possible for the department to give to the industry would be made available, because the need for ore was now and not in five years’ time.