New Guinea Gold Production Still Much

Below Pre-War Figure

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, May 22.

VTEW GUINEA’S gold production in li 1948, was only one third that of pre-war peak output.

Figures just released by the Mines De partment show that in 1948 New Guinea produced 86,556 fine ounces worth £939.307; this should be compared with 263.096 fine ounces, produced in 1940-41, and worth £2,808,835.

Morobe goldfields share of last year’s total was 84,965 fine ounces. The Sepik district yielded 825 ounces, the Central Highlands 700 and Kieta 64.

This year’s output should be much higher, as the largest producer, Bulolo Gold Dredging, now has eight dredges working—six on the Bulolo River and two on the lower Watut. The company’s production last year was about 68 per cent, of its pre-war figures.

Papuan gold production last year was just large enough to be recorded—2o2 ounces worth £1,761. Cuthberts Misima Gold Mine started producing again early this month, however, and this year Papua’s gold return should be much im proved.

According to the Mines Department, only other Misima company producing gold in any quantity is the Mararoa Gold Mining Company.

Mandated Alluvials, near Moresby, is still preparing to resume production.

General view of Cuthbert’s Misima Goldmine.

Photo by R. B. Dunlop.