Nauru, Ocean Island Phosphates Soon

Northern Advocate, 25 June 1946, Page 2

Nauru, Ocean Island Phosphates Soon

Exports of phosphate from Nauru and Ocean Island are expected to be resumed in July. This welcome news was given by the general manager for the British Phosphate Commission (Mr A. H. Gaze).

Extensive damage had been done on Nauru by the Japanese, but by using temporary jetties, army landing craft and steel tubs it was hoped to export between 200.000 and 275,000 tons of phosphates from both islands in ibe next 12 months.

In following years production targets would be:—l947-48. 500,000 to (350.000 tons; 1948-49, 700.000 to 850,000 tons: 1919-50. 1,000.000 to 1.200.000 tons. Mr Gaze said the c.i.f. cost of phosphate new being obtained averaged about £7 a ton. Before the war, Nauru and Ocean Islands' phosphate was being supplied ex-ship to Australian works for 30'- a ton. COST FALLING He expected the cost to begin tailin';' this year, with progressive yearly reductions. The plant at Christmas Island had not suffered the same damage as at Nauru and Ocean Islands, and the private company working it expected lo be able to begin loading medium size ships in August. Ail that output had been secured for Australia and New Zealand for the next two years. Those arrangements, with the increasing output of Nauru and Ocean Islands should enable Australia 1o dispense: with lower grade phosphate from North Africa and Egypt and ensure adequate supplies within two or ill roe vears.