ENG-1964 — Page 100

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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Prospectors for iron ore and graphite made no discoveries of any economic importance. Iron ore from the mine at Ma On Shan is taken by tunnel to an ore dressing plant on the waterfront with a capacity of 850 tons a day. Concentrates are taken by barge to ocean-going ships. This mine produces some $5 million worth of ore a year.

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. At the end of 1964, there were three mining leases, 15 mining licences, and two 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 also assesses royalties on mineral sales, at a rate of five per cent of value.

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