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the upper levels and were not large enough to warrant the installation of modern plant, so the method of mining described above was adopted. Based on the proved ore reserves, the mine has a life of approximately 1-2 years and provided production and price of metal remains at present levels, the company should just about recover the capital invested.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
During the inspection of the property, I noticed some very fine and expensive coolie lines in course of erection, which are far above the standard in use in the Federated Malay States, and other places in the East. The expense of such costly and permanent coolie lines is a heavy item on the charges of a mine of this nature and will undoubtedly militate against any incentive of miners to take up leases on a low grade proposition. It is suggested therefore, that the medical authorities cut down their requirements to a minimum, particularly in connexion with a mine in its develop- ment stage or one with a short life, where a temporary building would appear to be more reasonable.
The supervision and running of the mine is satisfactory and the labour force is experienced, having worked on the mine for many years. The ground stands up well and the small size of the stopes reduces the necessity of timbering to a minimum, but for the greater safety of the miners employed it is recommended that the following rules in Chinese be posted up at the office and entrance to each adit which is in use:
(i) Miners are recommended to wear crash helmets when working under-
ground. These are available at the mine office.
(ii) All tracks and manways shall be kept clear.
(iii) Sub-contractors shall inspect and maintain all ladder ways and platforms
in a safe condition and have props placed in stopes where necessary. (iv) The names of shot firers shall be registered at the mine office and only
such shot firers shall carry out blasting operations.
(v) In fixing fuse to detonators, only pliers of an approved type may be used. (vi) After blasting operations, the shot firer and timber boss of any particular working place shall bar down any loose rock, and timber where necessary before permitting coolies to enter the working place.
(vii) No coolies may enter a working place after blasting operations until
permitted by the shot firer and timber boss.
(viii) Any loose ground shall be reported immediately to the timber boss.
(ix) Any person committing a breach of the rules shall be liable to a fine of
3 days' pay.
Plan of workings is attached marked C.*
Lin Ma Hang Mine.
(i) HONG KONG MINES LTD.
Working a galena deposit for silver and lead by underground methods on the adit system and held under a lease of 75 years over 150.15 acres at a rent of $2 per acre, a mining lease over an additional 1196.45 acres adjoining has also recently been approved to the company, but not yet issued. The ore carries an average of 2.5 ozs. per short ton of silver and 10.4% lead. A labour force of 500, 350 under- ground and 150 on surface, with plant of 575 H.P. is employed. Production to date amounts to 5,526 short tons of concentrates carrying 15.8 ozs. per short ton silver and 69% lead, at a cost of £12 per ton.
*
The management, of the property was taken over by Neilson & Co. during January 1937, at which time there were some 7,000 feet of tunnels and raises, and approxi- mately 80,000 tons of ore blocked out. Construction of a 150 ton per day all flotation type of mill, buildings, and development work were then put in hand, since when 2,800 feet of capital and 1,760 feet of development work has been done.
The mill commenced operating during October, 1937, the probable ore reserves as on 1st January, 1938 amounted to 111,700 tons and the tonnage milled to date amounts to 38,358, from which 5,526 tons of concentrates have been produced and shipped to Europe. Additions to the mill are now in hand which will increase the capacity by 100 tons per day. Supervision under eight Europeans or Americans is good and the mine, which is run on standard lines is in good condition. The fatal
*Not Printed.