Improved Amalgamators.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 229, 31 March 1874, Page 7

Improved Amalgamators.

Some time ago we took occasion to draw the attention of quartz crushers to a proposed new method of amalgamating, and we stated reasons for believing an invention of that kind was an absolute necessity, as great quantities of gold were daily being run to waste from the various machines in this district. By reference to the Ballarat Courier of a late date, we find that the subject has been engaging the attention of many similarly interested in Victoria, as the idea that a considerable loss of gold results from the appliances at present in use is becoming more and more forcibly impressed upon their attention. The Courier says :

" So far as they were able, with the appliances at their command, they tested their idea, and having satisfied themselves that they were right, they sent a quantity of tailings, first to the Llanberris battery, and subsequently 91b., when dried, to the Ballarat School of Mines. This was tested, and the assay showed that in the 91b. sent to the School there should be 2b ozs. of gold. Messrs Clarke and Baldy then desired that the assay should be reduced, which was done, and the result was a lump of gold weighing 2 ozs. 14 dwts."

Speaking of this, the Australasian says : '' Mr Flude, the assayer at the Ballarat School of Mines, on a former occasion obtained by assay from some quartz which he supposed to be worthless, and in which not a speck was to be seen, gold at the rate of 30 ozs. to the ton. These instances tend to suggest to the mind some idea of the enormous waste that is taking place in our mining operations when they are entirely undirected by science, and what an immense saving could be effected if mining work were carried on in accordance with the practical teachings of science." The invention of Mr Ford, to which we. before alluded, may not be all that is required, or that it is described to be, but if it can be erected upon the present machinery at anything under £IOO, as it is said it can, it is surely worth the attention of mining ;companies. Even if it cost £3OO, it would be worth while for the various crushing companies to unite and share the expense of trying one. If it proved successful, the first crushing of fifty tons would pay the whole ' cost; if unsuccessful, the share to each comI pany, about" £SO. would cause no great inconi venience to anyone. . .