MINING

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1931, Page 5

MINING

ACTIVITY ON THE WEST COAST.

A prosperous future is predicted for the Mount David Mining Company, which is making preparations for operating at Blackwater on the West Coast Gold was first discovered at Blackwater about 50 years ago, and from that time on the area was extensively worked, the Blackwater dredge being one of the most successful on the coast About five years ago Messrs M’lnrot* and Stewart pegged out the Main Hill between Blackwater and Big River, and a syndicate of six was formed. M essrs M’lnroe and Stewart were finally left to carry on alone, and Messrs Pfahlert Bros, and Wallis were persuaded to take an interest in the claim. On a visit to Dunedin they so impressed a number of business men with the possibilities of the claim that they had it prospected, and the outcome was the sucessful formation of a company with a capital of £50,000. The necessary water race is now half completed', but a dispute regarding wgges has recently held up operations. It has been stated that experienced men consider the prospects of the ground to be from Is to os a yard. There is a 200-foot fall for the tailings, and the ground is very suitable for sluicing. Electric power is to play an important part in the working of the Bell Hill Gold Sluicing Company’s claim 32 miles from Grey mouth. It will enable a large, and continuous supply of water to be used, whereas operations when sluicing was previously carried out were seriously hampered by lacK of water. The company’s scheme is to build a new storage dam and rebuild about one mile and a-half of fkiming. The company will erect a hydro-electric plant for milling timber, lighting, and pumping water. The extent of the dam (500 acres) will ensure an ample supply of water for sluicing. As the face is 240 feet high difficulty was pre7iously experienced in sluicing the top 100 feet, owing to the lack of pressure but the power plant will now operate a pump which will enable all of the face to be properly treated. The plant also will operate a sawmill from which the timber for the fluming will be obtained. It is estimated that 150 yards, yielding 6 grains to the yard, will be treated hourly.