C—2

2

MINERAL-PRODUCTION. The following table shows the quantity and value of gold, silver, and other minerals, including kauri-gum, exported during the years 1910 and 1911, also the quantity of native coal consumed in the Dominion during the same periods :—

Total value of production for 1911 ... ... ... ... 3,492,362 1910 ... ... ... ... 3,774,898 Total decrease ... ... ... ... £282,536 AURIFEROUS-QUARTZ MINING. This still remains the most important branch of the mining industry in the Dominion. The value of the bullion obtained from our quartz-mines during 1911 amounted to £1,375,253, as a result of treating 645,991 tons, the dividends obtained thereby amounting to £451,969. The following is a statement of the quantity of quartz treated, the value of bullion obtained, and the amount of dividends paid by the most important quartzmines during 1911 : —

There has been a serious decline in the production from the Waihi Mine, owing to impoverishment of the lodes at the lower levels. Operations are being energetically carried out for the development of the lodes at greater depth, and it is hoped that the impoverished zone, will eventually be passed through. It is impossible, however, to forecast what the developments will disclose. It is satisfactory to report substantial increases in the value of the production from the Waihi Grand Junction, Talisman, New Big River, and Blackwater Mines, and that some promising new mines are being opened up in other parts of the Dominion.

Year ending Produot. 31st Decemb 31st Decembei :r, 1910. ■ 31st December, 1911. Quantity. Quantity. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Gold ... ... ... ... 478,288oz. Silver ... ... ... ... 1,711,235 „ Manganese-oLc: ... ... ... 5 tons Mixed minerals ... ... 2,088 „ Colonial coal exported, including that ' 277,011 „ used by Home steamers Colonial coal used in New Zealand .... 1,920,351 „ Kauri-gum ... I 8,693 „ Coke ... ... ... ... 6 „ Antimony... £ 1,896,328 171,562 15 22,202 259,562 £ 455,226 oz. ! 1,816,782 1,311,043 „ 131,587 4 3,470 tons 22,104 223,918 „ 205,008 960,175 465,044 10 1,842,155 „ 921,078 7,587 „ 395,707 20 tons 92

Dividends paid. Name of Company. Quantity of Quartz treated. Value of Bullion. Total to end 1911. of December, 1911. I Vaihi Gold-mining Company (Limited) Vaihi Grand Junction Gold-mining Company (Limited) 'alisman Consolidated (Limited) few Big River Gold-mining Company (Limited) Slackwater Mines (Limited) tther quartz-mines throughout New Zealand Tons. 316,349 [ 94,603 47,550 6,913 44,038 136,538 Tons. 316,349 94.603 47,550 6,913 44,038 136,538 £ 670.179 150.72!) 222.058 28,062 92.062 ' 212,163 £ £ 272,748 j 4.230,585 19,218 19.218 109.307 560.291 13.200 51.600 37.4<)<i 87.496 * * Totals 645,991 1,375,253 451,969 * • Unknown.