PRODUCTION OF SCHEELITE

Southland Times, Issue 24764, 8 June 1942, Page 5

PRODUCTION OF SCHEELITE

GLENORCHY OUTPUT EXPANDING The efforts which are being made by the Government to expand the output of scheelite on the Glenorchy field were outlined by the Minister of Mines (the Hon. P. C. Webb) on Saturday on his arrival at Invercargill after a visit to Glenorchy. Mr Webb stated that considerable progress had already been made and the Government was hopeful that it would be possible to increase greatly the present output Last month four tons of scheelite had been obtained from the Glenorchy field, the Minister stated. That amount might seem small, but it was a very valuable product and was used only in small quantities in the manufacture of steel and alloys. Naturally there was a very great demand for scheelite at the present time and it was the desire of the Government that as much as possible be done to meet the urgent requirements of the United Nations. An increased number of men was engaged in scheelite mining at Glenorchy, he continued. One of the difficulties was in arranging suitable accommodation for the men at the head of the lake and they were living in fairly rough conditions at present. As quickly as possible the position would be improved and the Minister said he greatly appreciated the willingness of the men to accept the conditions in the meantime so that the urgent need for the product might be met. The value of scheelite had increased enormously since the war began, Mr Webb said. The Government had sold the entire output so far to Great Britain although there was a very keen demand from Canada and a considerably higher price could have been obtained on that market. In addition to meeting the present urgent need for the mineral, the Government was hopeful of developing an industry on a sound basis so that it might prove economic even after the war.