70
PRIMARY PRODUCTION
1971 there were three mining leases, 19 mining licences, and six prospecting licences valid for different areas in the territory.
Staff of the Mines Department deal with applications for pros- pecting and mining licences, the issue of mine blasting certificates, inspection of mining and prospecting areas for the enforcement of mining legislation, inspection of stone quarries for the enforcement of safety regulations, inspections for the enforcement of explosives legislation and the delivery of explosives from government depots to blasting sites. Under the Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Ordinance 1971, which came into effect on May 1, the Commissioner of Mines is responsible for the control and management of government explosives depots which provide bulk storage facilities for all ex- plosives imported into Hong Kong.
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