MINING INDUSTRY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 December 1928, Page 5

MINING INDUSTRY

AN UNFAVOURABLE YEAR.

BY-PRODUCTS FROM COAL

BIG WORKS PROJECTED

United Press Asftoci&tioii —By Electric Telegrapn Copyright.; (Australian Press Association.) Received 11.35 a.m. to-day. SYDNEY, Dec. 21.

According to a report issued on behalf of the Government, the mining industry in New South Wales during the past year had been very unfavourable. The iigures indicated that the value of the production from the State mines and quarries, which exceeded £20,000,000 during the past two years, would result in a loss of about £2,500,000. This was attributed to the low prices ruling for lead, zinc and tin, and the depressed condition of the coal trade. At West Maitland, Albert Holland, a mining agent, was granted a suspension of labour conditions on leases at Ellalong by the Warden’s Court. It was proposed to establish coal byproducts works involving an expenditure of i£3,000,000. Operations would be carried out on a large scale. Mr. Holland said the projected scheme would be the salvation of the industry. The number of men employed as a minimum would be 1500. This would ease the strain on economic conditions now prevailing in the district.■