IMPORTANT DISCOVERY OF COPPER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5950, 22 March 1880, Page 5

IMPORTANT DISCOVERY OF COPPER.

Our telegrams have already said, something about the recent important discovery of copper in the Nelson district, and the following, particulars from the Evening Mail of March 4 will bo found of interest:— . We have very great pleasure in.announcing that newe of the most encouraging nature was brought to town this morning from the Aniseed Copper Mine, where a magnificent lode was struck yesterday, after many, of patient working. A shaft was sunk some time ego to a depth of about 100 ft, but without any good result, and the company then decided to make one more attempt, and let a contract for an additional depth of 60ft, This had been, nearly completed, and still there Beemed ; rio; prospect of any reward being reaped for all the money and labour expended, but at 49ffc a lode has been struck, and has, in'richness, exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the shareholders. The following is an extract from a letter received by the .Company from the managers, Mohrs ’Johnston Brothers : —“ We beg to report that the, contract shaft is now down 50 feet, and we have the pleasing duty to inform you that a very rich lode of copper was out at 49 feet, and six feet bclsr.' she stone showing natural copper, specimens of which we have already forwarded to you. The lode is two feet six inches thick, and is very different to the leads of copper previously cut, consisting as it does of grey vitreous ore, carbonate of copper, and; black oxide, which has never before been found’ in the Aniseed Mine. We think it very probable that a good per centage of silver is present. The country has become very solid, and there is every reason for believing that this is the main lode of the coutttry, and that it will prove permanent arid of immense value.” A drive of about 220 feet will now be, necessary to work the mine at a lower level, but this is a matter scarcely worth consideration, now that the lode has been struck, arid the Company hae every prospect of splendid returns. ;