ENG-1962 — Page 154

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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crude ore. Concentrates were transported by barge to ocean-going ships. A second dressing plant, installed in 1960, treated low-grade ore formerly considered uneconomic. The recovered ore was then finally processed in the main dressing plant. Throughout the year work took place on the excavation of an access tunnel which will be almost 8,000 feet long. It is designed to connect the main dressing plant with future underground workings. There was little interest in wolframite as the market price remained low, and only the Needle Hill mine was in production during the year. Pros- pectors for iron ore, graphite, and kaolin made no discovery of economic importance.

The ownership and control of all minerals is vested in the Crown under the Mining Ordinance, 1954. The Commissioner of Mines is empowered to issue prospecting and mining licences and the land officer to issue mining leases. Prospecting licences are valid for periods of six months, renewable up to a maximum of five years. Mining licences are valid for periods of six months, renewable up to a maximum of five years, but may be further extended with the Governor's consent. Mining leases are granted for periods up to a maximum of 21 years. Details of leases and licences in operation are published in the Government Gazette twice a year. At the end of 1962, there were two mining leases, 16 mining licences, and five prospecting licences valid for different areas throughout the territory. They were mainly controlled by individuals or small mining companies.

The Superintendent of Mines grants mine blasting certificates and examines export licences for minerals mined locally. He is responsible for assessing royalties on mineral sales, at a rate of five per cent of value, and for issuing demand notes for royalties, rents, premia, and fees for licences and leases. The Mines Depart- ment also inspects mining areas and surveys land affected by applications for licences.