N.Z. IRON ORE

Grey River Argus, 2 August 1940, Page 9

N.Z. IRON ORE

SCIENTIFIC TESTS. WELLINGTON, July 31. “The most outstanding work on the mineral side has been the regular analyses for the Iron and Steel Department of iron ore,- following the systematic exploration of the Onekaka deposit, and of iron-sands from the Patea deposits, which it is proposed to use in conjunction with theOnekaka ore,” states the annual report of the Mines Department in* referring to the work of the Dominion Labcratory. “Iron was determined in 1142 samples, an<X fuller analyses made when required. Twenty-six sampie s of limestone adjacent to Onekaka were also analysed, and one sample of dolomite from Mount Burnett. :

“The most important work of the coal survey during the year had relar tion to the proposed iron and steel industry, and indicates that to provide sufficient suitable coke from I'ocai sources, drastic conservation of the Dominion’s low-sulphur coals would be necessary.

"Other analyses were carried out as required, especially with regards to the fuller use of local coals in the ga s industry, and cases of complaint investigated. An analysis was maae of water from the State coal mine to enable a suitable resistant metal to be selected for the mine pump. Fortysix samples of mine air from Glen Afton, Irohbridge. Kamo, and Linton collieries were analysed. “prospectors’ samples for the year were again few in number, and of comparatively little value. Those sent in for assay for gold and silver were mostly from well-known mining localities, and were almost without exception of low grade. A sample of scheelite was received from .Wakamarina, where its occurrence is well known, and specimens of osmiridium from Takaka, and magnetic iron-orc from D’Urville Island. Antimony ore of good quality was forwarded from Waikare basin, near Russell, probably from the old workings which exist there. Definite interest continues to be shown in manganese, the best samples coming from Waikare basin, where it was formerly worked, and from CUaua, in the Lower Waikato.

“The possibility of the development of deposits of nori-metallic rhinerals is being more generally recognised. Bentonite occurrences in Hawke’s Bav have been examined by' th e Geological Survey, and numerous analyses made. Feldspar, at present, a waste product at the Charleston mica mine, was examined for its potash content, which was found to be-12.4 per cent. The possible use of serpentine as a desirable addition to superphosphate has been investigated. Numerous clays have been analysed, one \from Kaka, near Glenhope, of low fusibility, being particularly promising as a stoneware clay.”