COPPER DEPOSITS.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10708, 4 May 1903, Page 2

COPPER DEPOSITS.

We learn that a strong syndicate of Wellington and Cbristchurch men has arranged for samples of_ copper ore from tiie Aniseed Valley disfoict being Bent to the Mount Lyell Company's works, Tasmania, and that some five tons of sulphide ore from the United lode, and a ton of low grade ore from tbe Monster lode, will be shipped hence on Monday next that it may be practically treated, and the results ascertained. Some seventeen years have elapsed since smelting operations were carried on in the Aniseed Valley, but since that time there have bsen many scientific developments. Years ago the expense of treating the sulphide ores was very great, owing to the necessity of roasting theae in order to drive off the sulphur, but it has since been discovered that the sulphui v a blessing instead of a hindrance, for that under a powerful blast the sulphur serves to smelt the copper. We are told that two per cent ore is profitably treated by tbia process, whilst the United ore runs from seven per cent upwards, and contains more gold than tbe Tasmanian stone. Providing the tests about to be mado are as satisfactory as espected, we may anticipate valuable developments.