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Mining
PRIMARY PRODUCTION
Iron ore is mined underground and the concentrate (magnetite) is exported to Japan. Kaolin, feldspar and quartz are taken by opencast methods. Most kaolin is exported to Japan and most feldspar to Taiwan. All quartz, some feldspar and about 56 per cent of kaolin are consumed by local light industries.
Under the Mining Ordinance, the ownership and control of minerals is vested in the Crown. The Land Officer is empowered to grant mining leases and the Com- missioner of Mines to grant mining and prospecting licences. Details of leases and licences in operation are published twice a year in the Government Gazette. At the end of the year, there were three mining leases, six mining licences, and four prospect- ing licences valid for different areas.
The Mines Department is responsible for the inspection of mining and prospect- ing areas and stone quarries to enforce mining and explosive legislation, and safety regulations. It also deals with applications for prospecting and mining licences, the issue of mine blasting certificates, and delivers explosives from government depots to blasting sites. The Commissioner of Mines is responsible for the control and manage- ment of government depots which provide bulk storage facilities for all explosives imported into Hong Kong.
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