Pacific Mining

Notes

From Fiji

Aloha Central, G.M.

COMMENTING on the development work carried out by Aloha Central G.M. N.L., Tavua, Fiji, Dr. Loftus Hills, consulting geologist, stated in November that the most important development during the past three months had been on the northern section of the area north of the Vinisinu Creek. Starting from the vicinity of the northern continuation of the Sultan lode in this direction, and working up the slope eastwards towards the President lode, rich loams were encountered, and subsequent trenching and shaft sinking had disclosed numerous ore occurrences with encourag ing values. Some of these had been shown to be horizontal spreads from lodes associated with shears, and some of these latter undoubtedly con tinued downwards. The maze of ore formations disclosed by the work in this area presented a

complicated problem in mining exploration, but

the use of the diamond drill, when available, would throw much of the necessary light on this section of the area. The ore occurrences here were, in his opinion, important. They showed that the “S,”

“C” and “P” lode groups continued northwards with profnising gold deposition. The work on the Sultan lode had preceeded at a slower rate than anticipated owing to the amount of water encountered in No. 1 shaft. With the small pump available it was found undesirable to continue No. 1 shaft beyond a vertical depth of 55 feet, and

it was necessary to crosscut at that depth, al though, as pointed out in a previous report, cross cutting was undesirable until at least 100 feet depth had been attained. The geological structure indicated that down to 100 feet at least an un favourable horizon existed, and that the low values and narrow width of the Sultan lode in the crosscut at the 55-feet level confirms this conclusion. The true value of the downward ex tension of the Sultan lode would not become apparent until penetration to beyond the 100 feet vertical depth had been attained. This would be effected by means of the diamond drill now in operation. The work of the last three months had shown greater distribution of gold and ore formations than was observable three months ago. and it was now apparent that the adequate ex ploration of the Aloha Central 30 acres was a task of some magnitude. The diamond drill would be invaluable in this exploration.

East Reefs Consolidated N.L.

Directors of East Reefs Consolidated N.L. have issued 1000 shares in reserve to shareholders at £3 on application, and allotment. Shareholders registered on December 3, had the right to apply for shares in the proportion of one for every three contributing or fully paid shares held. Transfer books were closed from December 3 to December 5.

Loloma And Tavua Developments

Mr. E. G. Banks, mining engineer, and a direc tor of Loloma (Fiji) G.M, N.L. and Tavua Gold Developments Ltd., has returned to Melbourne after a second visit to the properties at Tavua, Fiji. Mr. Banks said early in December that since his previous visit work on the Loloma area had proceeded steadily. Several more prospecting shafts had been sunk along the line of the lode, and there was well over 1000 feet definitely proved along the strike of the lode. Other shafts being sunk north and south had not yet got in touch with the lode, but in his opinion further extension of the lode would be proved as work proceeded.

The main shaft was down 120 feet, at which point a crosscut would be driven to intersect the lode.

This would be met within a distance of 30 feet.

The adit level being extended in a southerly direction had reached a distance of 180 feet, and was still carrying payable values. The latest important development at the adit level was a crosscut towards the footwall, at 144 feet in the tunnel. At the time of his visit over 30 feet of 9-oz. ore had been disclosed, with the footwall not in hand.

Regarding the area of Tavua Gold Developments, south of the Emperor and east of Koroere, Mr.

Banks said two drilling plants were at work and three adits were in course of extension. Some ore had been proved in two bores and in No. 5 tunnel. The work had been undertaken with the object of proving the extension of the Emperor lode into block 209-210. In view of the fact that payable ore had been located, this block, Mr.

Banks considers, warrants thorough prospecting.

Vees United N.L

Sir Henry Scott, attorney of Vees United N.L.. in Fiji, has advised the management that the Governor has given his approval to_ an option which had been provisionally entered into by the company over an area of approximately 480 acres, covered by prospecting licence 245, in the Sigatoka district, and recommended by Dr. Loftus Hills, consulting geologist. The company has also been granted registration in the colony as a foreign company.

Tavua Gold Developments

The manager of Tavua Gold Developments Ltd., Tavua, Fiji, reports that No. 4 bore has cut the lode 10ft. wide, of which assaying 3dwt. and 2]/ 2 it. sdwt. The lode has been cut in the No. 5 tunnel on the same lease, 16ft. assaying 2dwt. and 4ft. on the hanging-wall 4dwt. The lode is being driven on in the tunnel. The previous message stated the No. 4 bore was down 365 ft. in country, and the lode_ was expected to be cut at an early date.

Emperor Mines Ltd.

Directors of Emperor Mines Ltd., Tavua, Fiji, report that the services of Mr. G. L. Ditchburn, late mill superintendent of Golden Plateau N.L..

Cracow, Queensland, have been secured. Tests made by him of the oxidised ore in the mine during his recent extended visit disclose that there are no metallurgical or other difficulties in its treatment. The capacity of the present plant will be increased to 400 or 500 tons a week by the addition of larger settling vats. This work is well in hand, and should be completed shortly. Output will then be approximately 2000 tons a month.

The directors are also considering the erection of a milling plant capable of treating a large tonnage.

Meanwhile crushing will be continued with the unit now in operation. Consideration is being given to a scheme for the supply of ample electrical

power for mining and other purposes on the field.

It is. probable that a separate company, in which the leading companies on the field will become interested, will be formed for this purpose.

Crushing 644 tons of ore for the four weeks ended November 30, the company recovered 532)4 oz. of bullion, containing 490 oz. of gold, a grade of 15.2 dwt. a ton. The loss in the tailings was 1 dwt. a ton. The average grade of the ore treated declined by 4 dwt. a ton compared with the preceding period. Output and production, however, increased. Following are the past three yields:—

Koroere Gold N.L.

Progress reports received in Melbourne in Nov ember from Koroere Gold N.L., were not appreciated in the market, as the shares fell to 19/-. Values in the drives and crosscuts in the Koroere area were again low, the highest being in the south drive off the No. 4 tunnels, viz., 11 dwt. On the west Cardigan lode, east crosscut, a small amount of 12dwt. ore was obtained, but beyond this nothing payable. The property appears to be developing into one of low grade ore. Even the Cardigan lode, where high values were ob tained prior to the formation of the company and also just recently, is not living up to expectations.

The market for these shares is liable to fluctuate violently, as it has very little firm basis of value.

Mt, Morgan Developments Ltd.

Mount Morgan Developments Ltd. announced at the end of November that it had taken an option over the property covered by prospecting licence No. 287 in Fiji, and was proceeding to further prospect and commence the development of the area. The property was approximately seven miles from Suva, and was believed to be a newly dis covered mineral area. The option had been taken after favourable preliminary report from Mr. A.

A. Boyd, who had personally inspected the pro perty, which comprised 35 acres. It carried the right to acquire further adjoining areas.

Mt. Kasi Mines Ltd.

During the fortnight ended December 8, 484 tons of ore were crushed by Mount Kasi Mines Limited Fiji. The total head value was 1230z5., and total

tail value, 20ozs. Ore has now been drawn from development. The clean-up on December 6 yielded 1540 z. bullion, estimated to contain 130 oz. fine gold.

Additional treatment plant has been ordered to enable the tonnage to be brought up to the estimate. This plant should arrive on the field late in January. The new issue of 66,001 shares, at a premium of 7/- has been over-subscribed.

Fiji Mining Corporation N.L.

What is considered by the field engineer of Fiji Mining Corporation N.L., Tavua, Fiji, to be the most important development since operations were started on prospecting lease 214, about a mile east of the Emperor property, was reported during the month, a sample of ore at a depth of 50 feet assaying 2 oz. 4 dwt. a ton. The country, he emphasised, was unexplored, with great possibilities. An option is held over the area until February 1 next.

The progress report received is as follows: No. 2 shaft: Started crosscut at 50ft., now in sft. south, sample of east side assayed 2oz. 4dwt. ton. No. 3 shaft: East crosscut at 45ft. advanced 14ft.; for 6ft. on north side assay value ton, and for 6ft. on south side assay value ton.

Face of crosscut low.

Oct. S. Nov. 2. Nov. 30.

Ore (dry weight), tons 365 470 644 Fine gold, oz. 360 453 490 Grade, dwt. 19.7 19.2 15.2