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PRIMARY PRODUCTION
Iron ore concentrate (magnetite) is exported to Japan, wolframite to the United States, Britain, and Japan and kaolin to Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. All the feldspar and quartz and about 22 per cent of the kaolin are consumed by local light industries.
The ownership and control of all minerals is vested in the Crown under the Mining Ordinance. The Commissioner of Mines is empowered to issue prospecting and mining licences and the Land Officer to issue mining leases. Prospecting licences are valid for periods of six months, renewable up to a maximum of five years. Mining licences are valid for periods of six months, renewable up to a maximum of five years, but may be extended further with the consent of the Governor. Mining leases are granted for periods up to a maximum of 21 years. Details of leases and licences in operation are published twice a year in the Government Gazette. At the end of 1968 there were three mining leases, 17 mining licences, and five prospecting licences valid for different areas in the territory. They were mainly controlled by individuals or small mining companies.
The Superintendent of Mines grants mine-blasting certificates and certifies the origin of minerals in respect of which comprehensive certificates of origin are required. He is responsible for assessing royalties on mineral sales, at a rate of five per cent of value, and for issuing demand notes for royalties, rents, premia, and fees for licences and leases. The Mines Department inspects mining areas and surveys land affected by applications for licences and is also responsible for enforcement of legislation governing the conveyance, storage, manufacture, packing, and use of explosives and fireworks. Strict security controls imposed in relation to commercial explosives and fireworks at the time of the 1967 disturbances were continued throughout 1968.