Reports

Pacific Mining

From Fiji

Fiji Gold N.L.

Dr, Loftus Hills, in his preliminary report to Fiji Gold N.L. on Budd’s area, stated it is lo cated in the extreme south-western portion of the Tavua goldfield, lying to the south-west of the original Costello 500 acres now constituting the Koroere, the Aloha Central, and the Dolphin. Its location is on the slopes of the northern spur •coming down from the Koromboya Range. The greater part of the surface, therefore, consists of the dolorite series, but there is one spur standing up between two deep gorges which consists of the lower auriferous rock series. Two lodes are ex posed on that spur which warrant exploration.

The existence of these two lodes is important, in view of the fact that they demonstrate a fur ther westerly extension of the Tavua lode systems than the Dolphin, which was previously regarded as the most westerly. The more westerly of the two lodes is exposed in the lower portion of the

southern gorge, and an adit is now being driven into it. With regard to F. S. Ragg’s block, he states the area is located in the eastern por tion of the field, and the rocks exposed to the surface in the higher portions of this area are the upper poorly auriferous rock series and several lode formations are possible therein. One of these has been exposed by trenching, and a shaft 60 feet deep. In the trenches a well defined shear is exposed, a sample of which over a foot in width gave an assay of 8 dwt. a ton. In the eastern portion of the area the country has been dissected by a deep gorge, and this should be closely prospected as it probably cuts down into the lower rock series. The existence of the shear ing, combined with the undoubted proximity of the lower rock series, justifies serious attention to the area.

Gold Mines Of Fiji, N.L.

Following the return from Fiji of Mr. Donald Reid, a director of Gold Mines of Fiji N.L., and the receipt of a favourable report on Flemon’s area, block 271, by Dr. Loftus Hills, in which he recommends the formation of a development company with adequate financial resources to develop this block, the board has decided to carry out his recommendation and form a strong development company. A draft prospectus of the development company has been forwarded to the Governor of Fiji for his approval, and imme

diately on receipt of this the board’s policy will be put into operation, and an announcement made accordingly. A diamond drilling plant to drill to 600 ft. has been obtained. It is expected that the plant and a drill expert will be on the field to commence operations this month.

Emperor Mines Ltd.

A progress report of Emperor Mines Ltd., Tavua, Fiji, for the period ended 29th August, stated that values in No. 3 Crosscut averaged 11 dwt. per ton, fine gold; in No. 4 crosscut, 17 dwt.; in No. 10 crosscut, 11 dwt. An advance cut 10 feet wide, on face of ore 30 ft. high, gave 26 dwt. average per ton. Grab samples from winze at No. 5 crosscut averaged 15 dwt.

Koroere Gold N.L.

Assays obtained by Koroere Gold N.L., Tavua, Fiji, in continuing developmental work, remain low. A progress report received by the manage ment on September 9 was as follows;—Tunnels: No. 1 stopped at 325 ft. Opened out S. at 145 ft.

Advanced 30 ft. Value, 1 dwt. No. 2, to 308 ft.

Traces. No. 3, to 298 ft. Hard andesite. No. 4, stopped at 235 ft., in crushed country. Opened out on vertical formation at 175 ft. Advanced 11 ft. Average 5 dwt. Cardigan W., to 30 ft.

Value, 2 dwt. To 35 ft., 6 dwt. No wall. N., to 20 ft. Lode 3 ft. Value, 2 dwt. Brewster, to 24 ft. Value, 2 dwt. No wall. On the Car digan area the manager is preparing for the erec tion of head and frame at the main shaft.

Granites Development N.L-

A cabled synopsis was received early in Sep tember by Mr. A. J. Phillips, manager of Granites Development N.L., from Dr. Loftus Hills, on the Waindoi area, Fiji. Dr. Hills states the reser vation contains at least one lode system in an desite and andesitic tufts. The lode type, apparent width, indicated length along the strike, free gold in the creeks, and assays up to 4 dwt. a ton on the surface outcrops, all warrant active pros pecting. The methods to be used and in which direction work should proceed have been indicated to the field manager. On the geological evidence it is an area demanding legitimate prospecting.

It is somewhat difficult country, but the indica tions warrant serious attention.

Mt. Morgan Developments, Ltd-

Mount Morgan Developments, Ltd., have an nounced that the chairman (Mr. Eric Campbell), the managing director (Mr. A. Boyd), and the inspecting engineer (Mr. N. Kirby), pro ceeded to Fiji by the Monterey on September 18, to conclude negotiations regarding a number of gold mining areas under offer to the company, and to inspect and examine the same with a view to development. The company also an nounced its intention of establishing a technical organisation in Fiji under the direction of Mr.

Boyd, who will remain in Fiji. This organisa tion, in addition to developing such areas as the company may decide upon, will be available for reporting on, managing and developing areas held by others who may be in need of expert technical assistance.

East Reefs Consolidated, N.L.

East Reefs, Consolidated, N.L., has received cabled advice from Mr. H. Meeking, mine manager at Vanua Levu, Fiji, that prospects have been proved continuous for 1800 ft. on the west side, into the northern block, held under prospecting licence. Good prospects are showing on the eastern side of this block. Total length of crosscutting is now 350 ft.

Mt. Kasi Mines Ltd.

The secretary of Mt. Kasi Mines, Ltd., has received the following report from the mine man ager in Vanua Levu, Fiji:—Crushed for July 1382 tons of an average head value of 9.7 dwts., and for four weeks ending August 28, 1664 tons— work interrupted 11 days on account of heavy rains.

Tavua Gold Developments Ltd.

Tavua Gold Developments Ltd., has received a message from Dr. Loftus Hills, stating that examination of core results of the No. 1 bore, sunk by the company on its area at Tavua, riji, show that these developments are the most im portant indication of stability of the Tavua gold field disclosed since the recognition of teluride from the Loloma property. According to Dr Hills the bore definitely proves the Emperor lode sys tems continuing downwards into block No. AJi as being of a strong and very favourable lod* type. The core is from the first real depth pene trated at Tavua. No. 2 bore cut the .Emperov lode at depth 125 ft. vertical. Lode u 10 ft wide and assayed 2 dwt. for first 5 ft. a . dwt. for second 5 ft. Results of the bore Dn Hills states, show that his interpretation of th geological structure is quite correct. Preparation! are in hand for drilling two more holes to cu.

the lode north and south of the present position.

The Co. has a nominal capital of £lOO,OOO di vided into 400,000 fully paid shares of 5/- each. Of the shares, 180,000 are issued, while 80,000 were paid to Tavua Gold Options in taking over all of that company’s areas. Mineral Developments Ltd. and Australian Mining Trust and other in terests received 20,000 shares, while 30,000 shares are held by both those companies under option for two years at 7/6 a share.

Rewa Prospecting Syndicate.

In accordance with the advice of Mr. F. A.

Roberg, Rewa Prospecting Syndicate, N.L., Fiji, has put in a drive 34 feet on the Wainivesi area, where a lode has been struck carrying what ap pears to be sulphides. The drive is being con tinued to expose more of the lode, and samples are being assayed.

Vees United, N.L.

Vees United, N.L., reports having received ad vice from the company’s representative in Fiji to the effect that he has secured an option over a property in the Lautoka district, in western Viti Levu, and that assays already taken are reported up to 5 ounces. The representative later advised that he is negotiating an option on an additional 1000 acres adjoining the option pre viously obtained.

Fiji Prospecting Co., N.L.

Results obtained by Fiji Prospecting Co., N.L., from the prospecting operations conducted on the Sigatoka area, in the south-west of Viti Levu Island, Fiji, over which the company has an option of purchase, did not justify further work, and it has been decided to abandon the option.

The company’s representatives are now inspecting other areas.

Totola Syndicate Ltd.

The directors’ report submitted at the statutory meeting of the Totola Syndicate, Ltd., early in September stated that seven properties in Fiji were rejected before the present option over 500 acres at Viti Levu was taken. Dr. Guy Harris had reported that values obtained on the pro perty were from 6 dwt. upwards, and that con siderable tonnages were indicated. A new issue of two shares for every three held having been made and oversubscribed, the directors stated that sufficient funds were in hand to develop the area.

In a report on the area Dr. Harris states that the field has a striking resemblance to the geo logical formation of the Tavua field. A little gold appears in the overburden, but in sinking definite lode formation is encountered which has shown gratifying dish results. These samples assayed locally showed a minimum result of 6 dwt. and a maximum result of 8 dwt. The width of this auriferous area is as yet undetermined, but is undoubtedly of great extent. Dr. Harris adds that he has not seen any area possessing so much promise. Two parties are at work on the area.

Directors are Messrs. C. E. Hopkins and F. F.

Munro, and the secretary is Mr. J. M. Dunlop, of Pitt Street, Sydney.

References to the Totola Syndicate appear else where.

Aloha Central G.M.

Shareholders of Aloha Central Gold Mines, N.L., Fiji, at an extraordinary meeting on September 9, sanctioned an increase in the nominal capital from £12,500 to £25,000 by the creation of 2500 new shares of £5 each. The chairman of directors (Mr. A. T. Day), who presided, said that although Dr. Loftus Hills had advised that he was of opinion that prospects already disclosed warranted the floating of a company to work the property, the directors desired to have further prospecting carried out before launching a new company. The increased capital would furnish the additional money required. The company was operating under an option granted last April by Mr. P.

Costello, of Suva, in respect of a block of 500 acres held under prospecting licence by Mr. Cos tello. An option over 470 acres of the block was given in December, 1933, by Mr. Costello, to Mr.

E. G. Theodore, who had since transferred the block to the Koroere company. When giving the option over the 470 acres to Mr. Theodore, Mr.

Costello also gave Mr. Theodore rights to work the No. 2 lode, known as the Cardigan, to any depth beneath the 30-acre block. The Cardigan lode was situated approximately 550 feet west of the boundary, and ran parallel with it. Dr.

Loftus Hills had reported that in his considera tions of the estimated potentialities of the Aloha Central block, the existence of the Cardigan lode had been deliberately excluded as a factor affect ing the potentialities, and assuming the underlay of the Cardigan corresponded to the general aver age throughout the field so far disclosed the down ward continuation of the Cardigan should pass through the western boundary of the Aloha Cen tral block at a vertical depth of approximately 1000 feet. It was not proposed to proceed with the new issue of shares until the position was more clearly defined. The company had secured an extension of the option until December 31.

Upper Waimanu Area.

A syndicate is being formed to test an area on the Upper Waimanu River, in Fiji, which was pre viously rejected by Aloha Alluvials, N.L., which is to be placed in liquidation. A party which recently visited the area found gold in the creek beds. Mr. W. G. Johnson, a member of the party, considers that the property should have been tested further before being abandoned.

Loloma Gold Mines.

Reconstruction proposals were agreed to by shareholders of Loloma Gold Mines N.L., Tavua, Fiji, at an extraordinary meeting on September 13.

The existing company will be wound up, and a new company, Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L., formed, with a nominal capital of £225,000, in 900,000 shares of 5/- each. The chairman of direc tors (Mr. P. F. Cody) said the directors were now satisfied that the transfer of the lease would be granted to the new company on the same rights.

The managing director (Mr. E. G. Theodore) said the lode had been proved to be permanent for the length and depth as far as operations had progressed. A depth of 70 feet had been reached, and the lode channel was clearly defined, although the dimensions were so far unknown. The average width had to be determined, but the lode was known to be wide. The main shaft would be deepened to 120 feet, and the lode driven on at 100 feet. Work had been confined to the Loloma lode. Other lodes were known to exist, and would be well worth exploring. The reconstruc tion would provide funds to complete the under ground development programme, install a mill and bring the property to the production state. Mr.

E. G. Banks, mining engineer and a director, said he had never seen a property that was so promising with such a comparatively small amount of work done. A depth of only 70 feet had been reached, but in many places along the line of lode values had been consistent. One crosscut from the adit level had exposed the lode for 30 feet, for an average value of 3 oz. a ton, and it was known that in other places there was a bigger width of ore. A length of 700 feet had been

proved, but it was expected to develop payable ore for a length of 1000 feet, or a greater dis tance. The directors did not expect any serious trouble in treating the ore, and were hopeful that in a few weeks they would adopt a flow

sheet, preparatory to the construction of a mill.

He was hopeful production would start within 12 months.

Nasivi (Fiji) Gold Syndicate.

Having inspected the Raki Raki field, Fiji, and check sampled the material, Dr. Loftus Hills, geo logist, has recommended to the directors of Nasivi (Fiji) Gold Syndicate N.L. that the area be aban doned. A summarised opinion of Dr. Loftus Hills regarding the company’s activities on the field states the rocks and so-called lodes exposed in the Raki Raki district were of the wrong type to constitute a goldfield. The so-called lodes should geologically never have been expected to carry more than very low values. The high gold contents reported from No. 1 trench definitely were not contained in the trench materials. Check sampling showed only traces of gold. All other trenches showed similar results. Nevertheless the locality where trenches had been sunk was near the intersection point of two important regional shear systems. This would present favourable requisites for the occurrence of a possible gold field, but the rock system in which this might occur would be at least 2000 feet below the sur face. In view, however, of the uncertainty as to the existence and detailed character of such rock system the possibility did not enter into the range of present practicability.

The syndicate was formed in March last with a nominal capital of £lO,OOO, in 2000 shares of £5 each, of which 1500 were subscribed for at £2 a share; 250, fully paid, were issued to the promoters, and 250 were under option to Mr. M.

J. Foster for 12 months at such price as the shares were called up to upon the date on which the option was exercised. The option was exercised on July 18.

Following the recent visit to Fiji of Mr. G.

Hume, a director, 142 samples of ore from the mine were sent to Melbourne to be assayed.

The results of the assay were disappointing, ranging in most cases from 4 to 8 grains of gold a ton. Immediately after this development the Fiji Government announced that it did not intend to proclaim the Raki Raki district a gold mining area. The announcement caused a panic on the Melbourne Stock Exchange, and the £5 shares, paid to £2, which had previously soared to £57, slumped to 17/6.

Loloma West Ltd.

The representative in Fiji of Loloma West Ltd. reported on August 19; —Drumasi; No. 2 adit ex tended 15 ft.; No. 4 adit extended 24 ft.; No. 6 adit extended 8% ft. All without change. Samples from No. 1 tunnel were assayed for no value.

Hotsprings: Continuing costeening on both sides of river. Assays of low value. Government sur vey completed. Roskelly’s: Continuing costeening, assays show trace only, but indications of early improvement. Complete diamond drilling equip ment is due in Suva on September 3.

Fiji Mining Corporation, N.L.

A report received in Melbourne in September by Fiji Mining Corporation N.L. from the mine at Tavua, Fiji, states that the crosscut from the shaft has been extended to 11 ft. The lode was cut at 7 ft., being heavily mineralised and giving fair prospects. Assays will be made available later. The deep cut at 400 ft. east disclosed a new make of stone, giving good prospects, but insufficient work has yet been done to prove its width.