ASBESTOS MINING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19026, 28 May 1936, Page 14

ASBESTOS MINING

DEVELOPMENT WORK DEPOSITS AT .TAKAKA For 20 years the Mines Department has experienced a great deal of trouble in connection with mining privileges granted over the asbestos deposits in the Takaka district. Although various areas have been held from time to time by different persons and companies, no prospecting work of any great value has been undertaken. “The main trouble in connection with the development of the area is access, and a large sum is necessary to construct a suitable road to the locality, the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, told the Standard. “Most of the individuals and companies that, have held areas in the past have retained them merely for purposes, as they did not have sufficient capital to develop the deposits. Insufficient work has been done to enable the department to decide whether the deposits are likely to be capable of commercial development.” As a matter of policy, therefore, it was considered that an attempt should be made to place the area in the hands of licensees who would have sufficient resources to test and exploit the field with expedition, and who would be called upon to enter into a bond for a substantial sum to ensure compliance with the requirements of the. Mining Act, 1926, the Minister continued. _ “The onerous nature of the conditions resulted in only one application being received,” said Mr. Webb. “The Government decided to accept the company’s offer, and the mineral prospecting warrant is on the point of being assigned by the Crown to the company concerned.”