299
REPORT BY THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF MINES, PERAK, FEDERA-
TED MALAY STATES, ON THE SUBJECT OF THE CONTROL
MEASURES WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD
ADOPT IN RESPECT OF LOCAL MINING.
Hong Kong: C.S.O. 15/5048/38 F. M. S.: F.S. 2703/38.
TERMS OF REFERENCE.
"Mining in this Colony is as yet in its infancy and at present "there are no adequate regulations for the inspection and "control of the existing mines. As there have recently been "a few casualties among mine workers and as it is possible that "more mines will be opened up in the near future, it is "desirable that this Government should have expert advice
"upon the measures that should be adopted for the better "control of mining."
r
2. MINERAL DEPOSITS INDICATED BY PROSPECTING AND MINING OPERATIONS IN
THE PAST.
Small scale prospecting and mining operations in the past would appear to indicate that there are no minerals of economic value on the Island of Hong Kong but that in the New Territories there are deposits of the following minerals, the further pro- specting and mining of which should be encouraged :
Argentiferous Galena, Wolframite, Molybdenite, Magnetite, Hematite, Manganese, Granite for building purposes, and Kaolin for bricks and porcelain.
3. Prospecting in the past was undoubtedly hindered by excessively high fees, as much as $1,000 being charged for a Prospecting Licence for one year in 1920, and by the absence of any geological maps. It is unfortunate that a geological survey, undertaken by Mr. R. W. Brock in 1923, has not been completed or any report received to date, which would give some indication of the mineral potentialities of the Colony. The early completion of this survey and publication of the report is strongly recommended.
4. During 1937 however, Messrs. Marsman Investments Limited examined reported occurrences of economic minerals in connexion on with their proposed pro- specting applications and the attached plan A* indicates the position of mineral deposits examined by them. This will serve as a useful location map of mineralized zones, pending receipt of the Brock geological report.
5. PRESENT MINING ACTIVITIES.
As far as can be ascertained, there are four mining leases in existence, the posi- tion of which are indicated on attached plan B* shaded blue.
They are as follows:
M.L. 1. Issued 1st January, 1932 period 3 years renewable.
Lessee-Hong Kong Clays and Kaolin Co., Ltd.
Area 3.12 acres.
A good quality kaolin being mined on a small scale.
M.L. 3. Issued 23rd June, 1922 period 75 years.
Lessee-Hong Kong Mines Limited.
Area-150.15 acres in addition to which a further 1196.45 acres adjoining have been approved but no lease issued yet.
*Not printed.