Pacific Islands Mining Notes

From Fiji

Emperor Mines Limited

LiR. E. DAVIES, of Charles Ruwolt Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, consulting engineers to Emperor Mines Ltd., Tavua, Fiji, returned to Victoria at the end of March, after a visit of inspectiion to Fiji. Mr. Davies reported that the progress of the work to date is entirely satisfactory, and that unless any unforseen difficulties arise the new treatment plant should be in operation about the end of September next, as originally estimated.

The plant will treat 12,000 tons of ore a month.

Shipments from Australia for the Emperor Mine early in April included the two ball mills, bottom for 120 ft. thickener vat, ironwork for calcine and amalgam fux-nace, classifiers and poiUon of the 3000-ton Merril Crowe plant, whilst shipment was made from London in March of steel work for the mill buildings and agitator v^ts.

Returns for the last four periods have been: — Four weeks ended Dec. 19* Jan. 23f Feb. 20 Mar. 20 Ore treated, tons 1,957 2,080 2,102 2,370 Head, value, dwt. 8.04 10.75 10.3 9.0 Gold, oz. fine ... 787.4 1,027.7 997.6 974.2 * Three weeks’ pex-iod. fFive weeks’ period.

Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L.

Directors of Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L. have been advised by Mr. Davies, consulting engineer, that the pi'Ogress of construction work

is most satisfactory, and that the treatment plant should be in operation about the end of July, as oxdginally estimated, unless any unforseen diffi culty arises. The minimum capacity of the plant will be 500 tons of ore a week.

Mt. Kasi Mines Ltd.

The output from Mount Kasi Mines Ltd’s pro perty in Vanua Levu was as follows during the past four months :■ — Four weeks ended Dec. 4f Jan. 28* Feb. 25 Mar. 25 Ore, tons 1,500 1,853 2,359 2,600 Bullion, oz. 487 352 365 447 Value, £ A 3.600 2,773 3,194 3,911 t Mill stopped 51 days owing to engine break down. Mill closed down dui-ing December for ovei’haul and repairs and resumed crushing Janu ary 6. *Twenty-one days’ run.

Additional recovery for February from slag 65 fine oz.