MERCURY MINES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 125, 28 May 1937, Page 18

MERCURY MINES

FRANCO'S BID FOR THEM The attempt of the Spanish Nationalists to capture Almaden, in Southern Spain, will, if successful, create a new situation in the world market for, mercury, says the "Daily Telegraph." The Government-controlled mines there are one of the principal sources of the world's mercury and are capable, of producing 100 tons a month. At present the whole of the exported output of the mines is taken by the London firm of Roura and Forgas, as the sole buyers for sale outside Spain. If the mines fall into the hands of General Franco either a new agreement will have to be made with him, or greatly increased supplies must be obtained from Italy, the other principal source of mercury. Twenty per cent, of the ■mercuryused annually in this country is required for armaments. Fulminate of mercury is an essential component of most percussion-caps and detonators. NO IMMEDIATE SHORTAGE. At present, it is computed, from 75 to 90 per cent, of the world's mercury comes from Almaden and Carniola, Italy. For ten years, up to the end of last year, the entire Spanish-Italian output was marketed by the cartel Mercuric Europeo. The cartel fell apart at the beginning of this year, leaving Britain as the Spanish Government's chief customer, relying to a great extent on the output of the Almaden mines. The price of mercury has fluctuated considerably since the war. During the early stages of the Spanish war, when shipments were difficult, it reached £20 per bottle of approxi; mately 761b. Recently, however, supplies have been well maintained, and the price has fallen to about £14 10s ! a bottle. . . A new cargo of mercury is expected in London shortly from Alicante,, and, whatever course the war for the mines may take, no shortage is expected in London for some time.