A BIG ENTERPRISE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1926, Page 4

A BIG ENTERPRISE.

AICKIJAND, Feh. 15. A wealthy German syndicate is reported to have decided to launch a venture to extract lead, zinc and copper from refractory ore. of which there are huge deposits near Thames. Within i he next twelve months it is expected licit concentration works will he erected iind employment given to a very pirie number of an u.

It is known that in pre-war years a German scientist prospected the country between Tapn and Burn thoroughly. and it is believed that negotiations were almost completed for the sale of a valuable property when the outbreak of war put an end to business. At the conclusion of Iho war the Government placed a five years’ prohibition on German enterprise in the Doinin-

Tliis ended last year, and almost within twenty-four hours of its expiry a keen agent made his headquarters in Thames. It has taken twelve months to prospetl and investigate the possibilities of the country, and it is reported that a definite decision to proceed with the venture lias been reached. Nothing has lxten left to chance. With Grman thoroughness every foot of ground has been tested and the results tire said to have exceeded the most sanguine expectations. Preliminaries practically have been completed, and everything is ready to make a start within the next six months. The country under review is said to contain huge deposits of lead, zinc and copper ore. .Samples recently -cut to Europe returned values representing £B3 to CBB per ton.

Details of what is contemplated in the near future are difficult to obtain. hut from various interested sources it is learned that arrangements have been made for a number of German steamers to transport the ore, which will L? loaded from lighters at the scene of operations. The first steamer is expected within six months. By this time next year it is expected that concentration works will be erect' ed and the ore treated on the spot.