Mining News

From Fiji

Emperor And Loloma Companies

LOLOMA (Fiji) Gold Mines, NL, and Emperor Mines Ltd. reported early in February that rationing of power and air by Tavua Power Pty. Ltd., owing to the non-arrival of spares, has necessitated curtailment of production and development. Only urgent and important de velopment work will be carried out.

From New Guinea

New Guinea Goldfields Ltd.

GOLD obtained last year by NGG Ltd. was 10,758 oz. less than in 1939-40, said the chairman, Mr. J. Kruttschnitt, at the annual meeting on January 19.

The combined output of Edie Creek and Golden Ridge decreased by 11,996 oz. There was a loss of £4,040 on operations at Edie Creek, and it was unlikely that work would continue at the mine. Ore treated at the Golden Ridges mill was 8,214 tons less than the previous year.

The deficiency was mainly due to a strike at the Upper Ridges mine, which caused milling

operations to cease for over two months.

Mr. Kruttschnitt explained that although the declaration of an interim dividend had been considered, it had been decided, because of the Pacific situation, to await the year’s figures before adopting a dividend policy.

Bulolo Gold Dredging Ltd.

Results from BGD dredges for October, Nov ember and December compared as follows;

Estimated working profit for October, was 9,589 oz. fine gold; November, 8,102 oz. fine gold; and December, 8,014 oz. fine gold.

The company suspended operations on Janu ary 26, when the staff was evacuated to Wau.

From Papua

Cuthbert’S Misima Gold Mine Ltd.

RECENT returns from Cuthbert’s Misima Gold Mine Ltd. were as follows:

Australasian Petroleum Co. Pty. Ltd.

APC reported on January 20 that in its deep test well at Kariava, Papua, the 11 3 4 in. cas ing was cemented with the shoe at 3,760 ft.

After cementation, drilling was resumed, and the well, at that date, had reached 5,117 ft.

Oct. Nov. Dec.

Cubic yards .. .. 1.471,000 1,374.000 1,464,000 Bullion, oz 21,976 18,656 19,697 Gold, fine oz 15,163 12,873 13,591

Nov.

Dec.

Jan.* Mill, tons treated .. 3,601 3,523 3,450 Gold, fine oz 900 883 682 Silver, fine oz. . .. 4,065 3,155 3,092 Estimated value .. £7,403 £7,163 £6,994 Operations ceased on January 25.