Nickel And Chrome

Japanese Buyers Active In New Caledonia

From Our Own Correspondent

Noumea, Sept. 26.

I "PHE intense mining activity in the * Colony is very noticeable.

Japan is a large buyer of nickel and chrome and, presumably in consequence of her effort to invade China, she is tak ing increasing quantities of our metal ores. Piled high up on the quay like garden soil are numerous mounds of nickel and chrome waiting to be shipped to the East.

Japanese buyers are content with a lower grade of nickel than the usual standard of the world’s buyers, but even tlley are finding it difficult to obtain sufficient supplies to meet the home demand. Mr. G. P. Bruhl, of Messrs.

Frazer and Co. Ltd., Tokio, has been in New Caledonia, seeking to open up new small nickel mines. It is reported that he has successfully completed his mission.

Iron mines are also being opened up. and Japanese operators are endeavouring to purchase supplies of old scrap iron.