From Fiji

Pacific Islands Mining Reports

Emperor, Loloma And Koroere Mines

STATING that he was well satisfied with his visit, Mr. T. R. Victor, mining engineer, and a director of Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L., Emperor Mines Ltd., and Koroere Gold N.L., re turned to Australia by the Monterey in July, after an inspection of the three mines at Tavua, Fiji.

Mr. Victor stated that the Emperor mine was developing splendidly at the bottom level, 190 ft. in depth. The company had now driven on a strong fissure type of lode for close on 300 ft., carrying payable values. The shoot of gold at this level corresponded in position to No. 1 section of the upper level and the values, if anything, were better than the values above. As far as was known, the width was over 30ft. and flat makes of ore, similar in type to the flat makes at the upper level, were showing at the 190 ft. level, carrying payable values. These flat makes were a source of large additional tonnage to the main vertical lode. Other parts of the mine had de veloped satisfactorily, and the reserves of ore now in sight were considerably greater than the reserves shown in the prospectus. In addition to the 2000 tons a month, already treated, a milling plant capable of treating a further 10,000 tons monthly had been ordered from a Melbourne firm.

The Loloma mine, he said, was developing very satisfactorily at the south end of the 120 ft. shaft level. During recent weeks highly payable values were showing in this section, and during his visit from five to seven feet of good-grade ore was showing in the face. It was expected by the man agement that these values would continue for many hundreds of feet south of this level. At the main adit level south good values were showing, over four feet of ore being in the face. The length of the good-grade ore was now nearly 600 ft. long at this level. It had been decided not to open the Regent lode, where high values were showing, until the main adit level had been driven to a point opposite the Regent outcrop, when a cross cut would be put out to intercept the Regent lode, giving 100 ft. of backs. Tenders had already been called for the manufacture of a milling plant, capable of treating 500 tons weekly.

Discussing the Koroere mine, Mr. Victor stated that a boring campaign was being inaugurated to cut the Regent lode, the boundary lode, the Lo loma lode and three other known lodes, close to the Emperor and Loloma boundaries, at a depth of 300 ft. This boring campaign would be commenced shortly, and interesting developments were ex pected.

Tavua Power Pty. Ltd.

Directors of Tavua Power Pty. Ltd., Fiji, re port that the excavations for the power house and foundations for the compression and generating sets have been completed, the steel work of the power house buildings has been erected, and the clothing of the buildings in asbestos sheeting is well in hand. The air compressor and first generating set should arrive in Suva this month. Other work incidental to the power scheme is well up to schedule date. Shares in the company are held by Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L. and Emperor Mines Ltd., and electrical power will be supplied to the gold mines of these companies.

Emperor Mines Ltd.

Emperor Mines Ltd. treated ore of a slightly greater head value in the July-August period, but gold recovery was a little smaller. Tonnages of the last two crushings were about the same.

Four weeks ended June 13 July 11 Aug. 8 Treated, long tons . 1940 2275 2277 Head, value (dwt. a ton) 11.9 10.14 10.5 Gold won, fine oz. . 1070 1050.25 1048.19 Average dwt. a ton 11 9.23 9.21

Vees United N.L.

In the middle of July, telegraphic advice was received in Australia from Vees United’s attorney in Fiji (Sir Henry Scott, K.C.) notifying that Dr.

Loftus Hills (the Company’s consulting geologist) had advised the abandonment of the areas held under option.

Mr. J. N. Goodsir has resigned from the direc torate of the company.

Fiji Mining Corporation N.L.

Directors of Fiji Mining Corporation N.L. re port that it has been decided to suspend operations temporarily on prospecting licence 288, Tavua, Fiji, pending the result of operations by adjoining com panies. This information is expected to give the company valuable data on which to base its future development policy. Application has been made

to the Mining Board of Suva for exemption to protect the licence during the period of the shut down.