N. Guinea Mining

———♦——— Mr. Dunstan’s Investigations

From Our Canberra Correspondent

Canberra, May 12.

MR. B. DUNSTAN, formerly chief Government geologist in Queensland, is still in New Guinea, continuing his inquiry into the goldmining conditions there. The object of his visit is to ascertain whether, in view of the special conditions, any amendment of the mining laws is necessary.

The Papuan Government has asked that Mr. Dunstan’s services be made available for general geological work when he has completed his investigations in the Mandated Territory, and it has been arranged that this shall be done.

Whilst there have been no gold discoveries of any importance in Papua lately, it is desired that Mr. Dunstan shall make some examination of the country and report as to its possibilities.

Before the war there was considerable activity in copper-mining at Bootless Inlet, near Port Moresby—the Laloki Copper Mines. The works, however, were obliged to close down after the war, owing to the low price of copper, and the low prices which have since prevailed have rendered all efforts to revive the industry abortive. ... ===