GOLDMINING PROJECTS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1930, Page 2

GOLDMINING PROJECTS

ACTIVITY IN TOE SOUTH

WELLINGTON, October 31. That there is a possibility of increasing the Dominions good output is evident front developments in progress which occupied the personal attention of the Hon A. J. Murdoch, Minister of Mines, during his recent visit to

Otago. Mr Murdoch, informed a “Times” correspondent that he inspected the Nokomni Valley dredging claim about twenty-six miles north of Ltunsden, where it is proposed to instal a large dredge at a ccst of £120,000. Sluicing ■on one acre of this valley had produced gold worth £7,000, and in order to obtain, a suitable area for working on a large scale it is desired to include in the claim a freehold area of the Cameron Estate. The Minister met the trustees of the estate on the ground to- discuss the position, and ho.was informed that if satisfactory arrangements were made the Siamese Tin Corporation, a British company, whose representatives were present, will take a large interest in thfe colioerh. It is estimated employment will be provided for fortyfive men and that the claim could be worked for twenty years. The mining warden has given a decision favouring the . resumption of the freehold for mining purpose, and final confirmation rests with the Minister of Mines, Another mining project was presented by a. deputation of gold miners from Gabriel’s Gully, who asked the Mines Department to ascertain the best methods of treating the enormous quantities of tailing which are known to l.e gold bearing.

The Minister undertook to have inquiries made in England and America, as it is believed modern methods are capable of producing further returns from these tailings. The Minister was requested by a deputation near Gore to reopen the question of utilising the Waimea sludge channel, which would enable mining operations to be resumed in the district, and Mr lumber, Undersecretary for Mines, has remained in the South to complete investigations into the matter and report to ‘ Mr Murdoch.

Tlie Mines Department is conducting investigations into the best methods of treating low grade ores on the Thames goldfield, and if satisfactory results are secured the Minister predicted that there is a big future for the district. Arrangements have been made for treating experimentally a quantity of this ore in the large mining plant at Waihi.