ENG-1958 — Page 136

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

In 1958 production from the Ma On Shan Iron Mine was almost entirely from underground sources. The ore was treated in the 700-ton-a-day crude ore capacity dressing plant situated near the waterfront, and concentrates were transported by barge to ships anchored in Tolo Harbour.

The continued low market price for wolfram discouraged general interest in the mining of this mineral, and the Needle Hill Mine was responsible for all production for the year.

Prospecting for beryl, graphite and iron ore was undertaken in 1958, but there was no discovery of economic importance.

The Colony's production of minerals for the year was as follows:

Mineral

Value in $

Production in long tons

Feldspar...

Graphite, 80% fixed carbon

1,653.19

57,862

1,934.25

284,335-

Graphite, 50% fixed carbon

1,350.50

57,284

Iron Ore ...

105,125.14

3,994,755

Kaolin

7,620.73

685,866

Lead Ore Quartz

35.99

14,791_

4,484.30

89,686

Wolframite

38.46

299,803

E

The Mines Department is under the control of the Commissioner of Labour in his capacity as Commissioner of Mines, and is under the immediate direction of a Superintendent of Mines, who is assisted by two Assistant Inspectors of Mines.

The ownership and control of all minerals is vested in the Crown under the Mining Ordinance, 1954. This ordinance also provides for the issue by the Commissioner of Mines of prospecting licences for periods of six months, renewable up to a maximum of two years, and of mining licences for periods of six months, renewable up to a maximum of five years. It also provides for the Land Officer to issue mining leases for periods of up to twenty one years. Details of mining leases and licences and prospecting licences in operation on 1st January and 1st July are published in the Government Gazette. The Superintendent of Mines issues Authorized Buyers' Licences for the sale and purchase of ores, grants Mine Blasting Certificates, and approves Certificates of Origin and Export Licences for minerals mined in the Colony.