THE SEARCH FOR SCHEELITE

Southland Times, Issue 23408, 15 January 1938, Page 6

THE SEARCH FOR SCHEELITE

GREAT ACTIVITY AT GLENORCHY TUNGSTEN A VALUABLE PRODUCT Known among miners as the “white gold” of Otago, ri,ch deposits of scheelite lie concealed in the heart of the beautiful Glenorchy district, and many very profitable returns have been won from it. Tales even more romantic than those associated with the goldfields have been related of the rise to fortune of the early miners who discovered the valuable lodes.

Never before, however, has there been greater activity in the search for this precious metal than at the present time (says The Evening Star, Dunedin). Tungsten, the product of scheelite, has assumed more commercial importance owing to the ever-increasing uses being found for it in industry, and particularly to its use in armament steel. It has even been said that the world political situation may be judged by the price of scheelite, and, if this be true, the position would appear to be ominous indeed, for never in the whole history of its production in New Zealand has there been such a heavy demand nor such a high price ruling. The quartz mines of Glenorchy are (reported to be recognized as containing the highest percentage of tungsten in the world. High-speed tools, a feature of modern mass production, owe their existence to the discovery of the strength of metal when alloyed with tungsten. One special characteristic of tools made from tungsten alloy is their ability to retain their hardness and toughness when heated to dull redness. Other metals lose their strength rapidly on the application of heat, and are able to be bent and worked by the tools made from the stronger material. Because of the high fusing point of tungsten and its great tensile strength it is now found to be the best material available for electric light filaments. Many tons annually are required for this use alone. The extract from scheelite is an essential of armaments steels. The huge rearmaments programme of the nations is, therefore, giving the scheelite fields of Otago a world-wide importance. The demand for the material has already exceeded the available supply, and it appears likely that a serious world shortage is imminent. Activity in the Glenorchy area will probably be intensified during the next few years. Comparatively few people know much about the wealth in the scheelite lodes of the province. Interests outside the locality are in the main responsible for the large development work now going on, but success will bring employment and gain to the people of Otago.