Capital.—£200,000 in £1 shares, of which 169,000 are issued and fully paid, including 100,000 given in part payment of the property.Directors.—Sir Robert A. Hampson, J.P. (Chairman), Mr. Hugh C. Godfray, Mr. George T. Harris, Mr. Oliver Wethered, and Mr. Hetherington White.Secretary.—Mr. E. Price.Offices.—19 St. Swithin’s Lane, E.C.
Capital.—£200,000 in £1 shares, of which 169,000 are issued and fully paid, including 100,000 given in part payment of the property.
Directors.—Sir Robert A. Hampson, J.P. (Chairman), Mr. Hugh C. Godfray, Mr. George T. Harris, Mr. Oliver Wethered, and Mr. Hetherington White.
Secretary.—Mr. E. Price.
Offices.—19 St. Swithin’s Lane, E.C.
This company has exclusive prospecting rights over an area of 50 square miles in the Naraguta district of Northern Nigeria, together with mining licences over a further area of 12½ acres situated at the head-waters of a small river.
The manager of this company in Nigeria is Mr. Means, who has done a considerable amount of prospecting on the property. This large property of 50 square miles was originally secured by the Anglo-Continental Company. It is believed there are several large areas of alluvial tin on the property, which has not yet been properly prospected.
With regard to the smaller concession of 12½ acres, Mr. Lush confirmed the statement that the alluvial tin at this point was exceptionally rich, averaging as much as 12 lbs. per cubic yard.
In his report on this property dated February 21, 1910, Mr. Lush said:
“From surface pannings I should estimate the overburden, or rather stanniferous gravelly deposit overlying the wash, to go 2 lbs. per cubic yard. It would be interesting to see the values and thickness of the bottom wash. Provided sufficient power is obtained, there is room here for at least four big plants capable of treating 10,000 cubic yards of gravel each per week: 40,000 yards at 2 lbs. equals 80,000 lbs. of tin oxide, equal to 35 tons per week.
“I look for a fair depth of payable ground, everything points to its being so, but only boring can decide this.
“Life of property would largely depend on the depth of the deposit and the number of plants erected, but presuming the deposit is 15 feet deep, and you instal four plants capable of putting through 10,000 yards weekly each, it would take fully eight years to work out this 500 acres of the property.
“I understand that the total area of land taken over by you from the Niger Bauchi Syndicate is 50 square miles, or 32,000 acres. In this report I am only dealing with the southern and south-western part of your holding, some 20 square miles, as I did not visit the northern portion. I was, however, credibly informed by one of the Government mining officials that on the northern block of 30 square miles there are also stanniferous deposits, and in addition a very promising tin lode, a continuation of the one that has been opened up by the Niger Company on your eastern boundary. The actual value and life of only the area I have reported upon would, in my opinion, quite justify your proceeding with vigorous development work at once. The probable values of the remaining 30 square miles may possibly turn out equal to the southern; there is no reason why they should not, as the whole of the property is within a rich alluvialand lode tin district that has hardly as yet been scratched.”
On June 15 the company’s representative in Nigeria cabled: “Active sluicing operations will be commenced as soon as sufficient water is available. Meantime 6 tons of tin have been produced by means of calabashes.”
A complete sluicing plant has been shipped, and pending its arrival washing by means of calabashes is being continued.
At the first statutory meeting, Mr. Lush said, since delivering his report:
“I see by a cablegram from Mr. Means that he has found good tin on other areas. There are about 4 square miles of about 2,600 acres that have been proved to carry tin since I left there.”
By Mr. H. W. Laws
The N’Gell River, which is one of the sources of the Kaduna, rises in the pagan town of N’Gell on the highest watershed of the country.
Black oxide of tin is found in large quantities in the bed of this river where it is not deeply covered with gravel, and in the various streamsflowing into it, especially those coming in from the south. The ore undoubtedly has a very local origin, it is derived largely from the denudation of the small tin-bearing quartz veins in pegmatite granite on the sources of the tributaries known as Nos. 1 and 2 streams, and lode matter containing massive crystals of tin is also breaking down in the neighbourhood of Nos. 4 and 5 streams. All these it will be noted are on the south side of the river.
For the purpose of discussing these tin deposits as a mining proposition, the river may be conveniently divided into three portions:
A.The headwaters of the N’Gell River (sections 49 and 50 on plan) with Nos. 1, 2, and 3 streams.B.The portion of the N’Gell River flowing through the Niger Company’s area for a distance of 2½ miles with the tributaries known as Nos. 4, 5, and 6 streams, andC.The portion of the N’Gell River flowing for a distance of six miles through section 46 and 36 to 40 on the plan.
A.The headwaters of the N’Gell River (sections 49 and 50 on plan) with Nos. 1, 2, and 3 streams.
B.The portion of the N’Gell River flowing through the Niger Company’s area for a distance of 2½ miles with the tributaries known as Nos. 4, 5, and 6 streams, and
C.The portion of the N’Gell River flowing for a distance of six miles through section 46 and 36 to 40 on the plan.
This portion is actually on the apex of the watershed. The streams which fall rapidly tothe valley below on the west are crossed by numerous bars of granite and quartz reefs, which act as natural riffles, and have served to concentrate the ore in high values, but relatively small quantities of alluvial in the beds and banks of the streams. Good alluvial also occurs in patches amongst the granite hills away from the waterways.
The streams get a fairly regular supply of water from springs and the drainage of the many veins, but they are also subject to scouring floods caused by heavy but entirely local rains. The floods are breaking down the alluvial with great rapidity, and large quantities of ore must be washed down to the valley below every year.
During three months of somewhat irregular work last year we recovered 30 tons of black tin from Nos. 1 and 2 streams. Part of this was won by sluicing the alluvial banks, of which 2,736 cubic yards, worth 10 to 11 lbs. of black tin per yard, were worked. Operations were commenced from the boundary, the ground was worked fairly, and although superficially it only represents some 300 square yards, it gives a fair idea of the value of the bank deposits. The values, of course, would not apply to the alluvialapart from the streams, nor to that on No. 3 stream, where there is far less grade and more alluvial, but, taken as a whole, the proposition is decidedly the richest yet found in Nigeria. Until further prospecting has been done and a detailed survey carried out, it is impossible to give any accurate estimate of the payable alluvial available on this portion; as a hand-work proposition it is not of great extent (as will be gathered from my report to the Niger Company last December, a copy of which I attach), but as an area systematically worked with the aid of machinery, it is undoubtedly a property which should produce a large tonnage of tin over a period of many years.
The above-mentioned report also clearly sets forth the difficulties in the way of systematic mining, if it is to be regarded as a separate concern. I have carefully considered the methods suggested by Mr. Lush in his report. The first we have already tried. The second is impracticable, because we have no higher level at which we could conserve water for hydraulicing the whole of the alluvial deposits, and the third and fourth can only be considered in conjunction with one or both of the other portions of the N’Gell River.
A modification of the second suggestion might prove satisfactory as a temporary measure. It would be possible to conserve in a reservoir constructed near the head of one of the streams sufficient water to sluice by gravity—I do not think there would be pressure for hydraulicing—the alluvial in and near the main river and part of that about the three streams. The ground higher up the streams could not be worked by this means.
This portion of the river flows through the Niger Company’s area, as shown on the plan attached. The river, after leaving the town of N’Gell, falls into a fine open valley within which is an apparently deep basin filled in with loose gravels heavily charged with water.
Four important streams numbered 3, 4, 5, and 6, enter the river from the south, three of them having falls in the position marked on the plan.
In addition to the alluvial being washed down the main stream, this basin must also be enriched by the tin-bearing wash in the tributaries, which also show good prospects.
The basin covers an area of roughly 300 acres,not including the bank deposits on the streams or the higher level flats. As would be expected from the nature of the ground, the top gravels do not carry payable values, but it seems to me almost impossible for the bottom to be other than rich when it is remembered that tin will not travel far without easy outlet and good grades, and that for a long period tin-bearing dirt has been emptying itself into this basin from so many channels. We have been unable to reach bottom in ordinary trial pits owing to heavy water and the running nature of the alluvial, and it will now have to be tested by boring.
Even if it proves only a low-grade show, it is obviously a big mine, and one that must be worked by dredging or pumping methods. Possibly the three falls above mentioned would give sufficient power, in which case the problem of working the “A” deposits would be solved at the same time. Otherwise it would be necessary to acquire the Kwall Falls, and generate electric power there.
I am not so familiar with this portion of the river, but, generally speaking, it is of a similar character to “B,” and the same remarks apply,but with this important exception, that it is down stream and therefore farther away from the source of the tin. I am not in a position to say whether it is fed by other tin-bearing streams or rocks further to the west.
As your Chairman very reasonably suggested, there may be an obstruction in the shape of rising bedrock or bars about Section 46, in which case this portion may prove of little value. This can only be disclosed by continuing the boring operations, and I would here emphasise Mr. Lush’s opinion that the greatest care should be exercised in taking samples from holes in these loose gravels where boring has a tendency to concentrate the heavier mineral at the bottom.
As some difficulty is anticipated in holding the areas as they now stand after this year, I suggest that they be dealt with as follows:—
(A) The streams and alluvial deposits on this portion are spread over some six square miles of country, so that my previous suggestion that the whole should be taken up in one rectangular mining area is not feasible. A mining area shouldbe acquired over Sections 49 and 50 as under:—Commencing at the N’Gell Beacon, thence 2 miles due west, thence 1 mile due north, thence 2 miles due east, and thence 1 mile due south to the starting point, enclosing an area of 2 square miles.Mining licences over Nos. 1, 2, and 3 streams should be renewed.
(A) The streams and alluvial deposits on this portion are spread over some six square miles of country, so that my previous suggestion that the whole should be taken up in one rectangular mining area is not feasible. A mining area shouldbe acquired over Sections 49 and 50 as under:—
Commencing at the N’Gell Beacon, thence 2 miles due west, thence 1 mile due north, thence 2 miles due east, and thence 1 mile due south to the starting point, enclosing an area of 2 square miles.
Mining licences over Nos. 1, 2, and 3 streams should be renewed.
The above four mining areas will not include all the alluvial mentioned in this report as existing on this portion (A), but if the three streams are held, the alluvial lying between them will be safe from others, who would have no water for working it. This is only intended to meet the case temporarily, and until further surveys have been made and the Mining Laws revised.
(B) Negotiations should be entered into with the Niger Company to take over this part of the river, or with a view to an amalgamation of interests.A mining licence should then be obtained to commence at a beacon 10,343 feet due west of the N’Gell beacon, thence 2½ miles due west, thence 1 mile due south, thence 2½miles due east, thence 1 mile due north to the starting point, enclosing an area of 2½ square miles.(C) I recommend that an exclusive prospecting licence be applied for, identical with Sections 36 to 40, enclosing an area of five square miles. If a prospecting licence is not allowed in any form, the expense of holding this piece of land under mining licences must be borne until prospecting is completed.There remains only the river flowing through Sections 46 and 35. A rectangular prospecting area (or, if refused, a mining area) ½ mile wide, east and west, by about 1¼ miles long, north and south, will be sufficient to hold this while its examination is going on.
(B) Negotiations should be entered into with the Niger Company to take over this part of the river, or with a view to an amalgamation of interests.
A mining licence should then be obtained to commence at a beacon 10,343 feet due west of the N’Gell beacon, thence 2½ miles due west, thence 1 mile due south, thence 2½miles due east, thence 1 mile due north to the starting point, enclosing an area of 2½ square miles.
(C) I recommend that an exclusive prospecting licence be applied for, identical with Sections 36 to 40, enclosing an area of five square miles. If a prospecting licence is not allowed in any form, the expense of holding this piece of land under mining licences must be borne until prospecting is completed.
There remains only the river flowing through Sections 46 and 35. A rectangular prospecting area (or, if refused, a mining area) ½ mile wide, east and west, by about 1¼ miles long, north and south, will be sufficient to hold this while its examination is going on.
With regard to staff and the work for the immediate future, a good surveyor and assistant must be sent out whose chief duty, apart from the demarcation of boundaries, would be the determination of grades in the rivers, measurement of water, survey of falls, and the preparation of sections showing the alluvial beds as disclosed by the pits and bores. An experienced man to carryout the boring operations should also be provided, and the whole work placed in charge of a capable hydraulic mining engineer.
It is above all things desirable to aim at working the whole of the deposits about this river as one large power proposition, deriving the power either from falls on the property or from Kwall. Should it be found impossible to do this (from failure to secure the land and falls required), then it will have to be proved whether the deposits on the six square miles of “A” portion justify the expense of harnessing falls and conveying power to the heads of the streams. If not, as much of the alluvial as possible must be worked out by the same system of sluicing as was employed last year, but on an increased scale, and with a more elaborate method of dealing with the water supply.
I am of opinion that it will take a year with a competent staff to prove the six miles of land referred to in “A” portion.
(Signed) H. W. LAWS, M.I.M.M.
3rd September, 1910.
28th December, 1909.
The Secretary,NIGER COMPANY, LIMITED,London, W.C.
Dear Sir,—I beg to hand you herewith Summary of tin returns for the months of November and December.
Tin Recovery.—Work ceased on the 14th instant owing to Mr. Carpenter’s time being completed, and his desire to return to England; otherwise sluicing on No. 1 stream could have continued to the end of the year. Sluicing on No. 2 stream was stopped early in November owing to want of water.
The black tin recovered for November amounted to 12 tons and 2 lbs., and from December 1st to 14th, 4 tons 14 cwts. 3 qrs. 12 lbs., making a total of 30 tons 0 cwts. 1 qr. 3 lbs. for the three months that mining operations have been carried on, as shown on the summary.
The ground sluiced at No. 1 stream measures approximately 2,736 cubic yards, worth 10 to 11 lbs. of black tin per cubic yard.
In arriving at these figures, the tin taken fromthe actual river bed, where it was impossible to measure the ground sluiced, is excluded, and this value will be found to be a fair average for the alluvial bank deposits on the N’Gell areas.
I estimate there is sufficient of this to last for six years on the two areas we have taken up, but this does not include some fairly extensive deposits between the three N’Gell streams and outside our small mining leases, which we have recently found to exist. We have not attempted to develop these higher deposits, but wherever tried they carry good values, and if by careful selection we added them to the existing areas, the proposition would become an important one as far as quantity is concerned. The difficulty lies in economical working. The present method, although profitable, is unsatisfactory, at any rate from an engineering point of view; my experience of the last three months has proved that sluicing in a small way can only proceed between seasons—in the dry season only hand-work can be done, and at the height of the rains the sluices cannot be fixed low enough to receive the sluicing water. It is essentially an elevating proposition, but without power, fuel, or water, we are helpless. I therefore recommend you, should an opportunityoccur, to give careful consideration to any amalgamation scheme which our neighbours on the N’Gell River might think desirable after they become familiar with their property, especially if they decide to work on a large scale.
Should no opportunity of the kind occur, I advise you to take the best out of the three streams and their alluvial banks by our present cheap sluicing methods and handwork during the next six years or so. A good engineer and an assistant would be required to supervise, but the former would only be required at certain seasons and not permanently on the property. I am preparing a list of plant required to work economically on these lines on the three streams.
Export.—The tin won was all first grade, assaying 72 per cent. to 73 per cent. 644 bags, weighing net 19 tons 9 cwts. 3 qrs. 7 lbs., were despatched in November, and 350 bags, weighing net 10 tons 10 cwts. 1 qr. 24 lbs., were despatched this month, making a total of 30 tons 0 cwts. 1 qr. 3 lbs.
General.—The plant has been properly laid up and protected from the weather for the dry season, and a watchman has been placed in charge.
I am, &c.,
(Signed) H. W. LAWS.
Since the preparation of the foregoing particulars a report has been received from the company’s manager giving the first detailed particulars of the prospecting as follows:—
“Prospecting.—With regard to this important subject I expect to have a little more to say when I have a general map ready to forward to you. The shaft in Section 26 which you asked about in your letter of 26th July was not got down to bedrock on account of water, and there were no results to report. In prospecting the streams of the central and northern part of the 40-mile area, we found tin in many places in various quantities, and irregularly distributed. Apparently the best stream is that one which runs through Section 28; while prospecting there we calabashed out five tons very easily from the bed of the stream, which tin we have in stock and shall report it to the Government as soon as the mining lease is applied for. The prospecting by numerous pits shows that the ground is too irregular in values outside the bed of the stream to make satisfactory estimates until some sluicing is done, which will be a relatively easy matter when we have the mining lease. There is another stream about three miles further north which I think will warrant taking up, but perhaps not quite so good as that in Section 28.
“In prospecting other streams of the northern part of the 40-mile area we generally found from a trace of tin to say a pound or so per yard with limited yardage, and none of them offer much encouragement to the company for mining purposes.
“A part of the N’Gell River, in Sections 49 to 50, I think is suitable for taking up as a mining lease. The tin, however, appears to be mostly confined to the river bed, and therefore it is more suitable for calabashing than for sluicing purposes. Also the parts of streams Nos. 1 and 2, which are in the prospecting area, should be included in the areas applied for.”
The manager further states, in regard to the drilling operations which are being carried out on the more remote and westerly portion of the property, that the results hitherto obtained have not been very encouraging, but that it is too early to arrive at a definite conclusion in regard to final results.
Cable advice has been received of the recovery of ten tons of tin during the month of October. The manager adds that the water is falling rapidly; this should permit of calabashing on an extended scale. The value of the tin already won by intermittent working should realise nearly£4,000, a sum in excess of the outlay in respect of the surveying and prospecting on which the small staff has been principally occupied.
Capital.—£60,000 in 240,000 shares of 5s. each.Directors.—Assheton Leaver (Chairman), Cyril D’Arcy Leaver, James Ramsay Parsons, Franklin Stokes Saunders, Lewis Norman Way.Secretary.—Henry Thomas Miller.Offices.—St. Bartholomew House, 58 West Smithfield, E.C.
Capital.—£60,000 in 240,000 shares of 5s. each.
Directors.—Assheton Leaver (Chairman), Cyril D’Arcy Leaver, James Ramsay Parsons, Franklin Stokes Saunders, Lewis Norman Way.
Secretary.—Henry Thomas Miller.
Offices.—St. Bartholomew House, 58 West Smithfield, E.C.
This company owns two alluvial tin properties of about one square mile each, and when the company was formed they had a further option for an area of about 1,920 acres, which option has since been exercised, and the property referred to in it floated as a subsidiary company called the Jos Tin Area (Nigeria) Limited.
For the purpose of identification the two properties owned by the company were described as Jos No. 2 and the Fusa property.
Mr. Malcolm has been appointed manager of the properties, and on behalf of the company has applied for and secured permission to take up a further area on the Fefan River.
Mr. S. W. Carpenter, who was in the employ of the Niger Company for five years, has beenappointed engineer. Mr. A. Higgins, who has also joined this company, was formerly in the Public Works Department of Nigeria, and has been in the country for the past ten years. He will make his headquarters at Lokoja, in which place the company has contracted to acquire a site and buildings to be used for trading, with a steam launch and two barges on the river. In connection with this trading and transport work, the company have acquired properties in Nigeria belonging to the firm of Messrs. Siegler & Co., and their place in Lokoja occupies the best river site there.
This company promoted its first subsidiary company in May 1910, and was called the Jos Tin Area (Nigeria) Limited. The property was a producing one.
Capital.—£200,000 in 400,000 10s. shares, of which 300,000 are issued and fully paid.Directors.—Messrs. W. F. Turner (Chairman), Edmund Davis, J. Schaar, and H. White.Secretary.—Mr. A. W. Berry.Offices.—22 Austin Friars, E.C.
Capital.—£200,000 in 400,000 10s. shares, of which 300,000 are issued and fully paid.
Directors.—Messrs. W. F. Turner (Chairman), Edmund Davis, J. Schaar, and H. White.
Secretary.—Mr. A. W. Berry.
Offices.—22 Austin Friars, E.C.
This company, in addition to having interests in various West African and South African concerns, is interested in the Nigerian Tin Fields, andin addition to holding share interest in various companies, they have a prospecting right over an area of 50 square miles in the Bauchi district to the west of the Naraguta area, and to the north and adjoining the area of the Northern Nigeria (Bauchi) Tin Mines, Limited.
Capital.—£110,000 in 440,000 shares of 5s. each.Directors.—Assheton Leaver (Chairman), C. D’Arcy Leaver, H. T. Miller, J. R. Parsons, F. S. Saunders, A. T. Schmidt, L. N. Way.Offices.—58 West Smithfield, E.C.
Capital.—£110,000 in 440,000 shares of 5s. each.
Directors.—Assheton Leaver (Chairman), C. D’Arcy Leaver, H. T. Miller, J. R. Parsons, F. S. Saunders, A. T. Schmidt, L. N. Way.
Offices.—58 West Smithfield, E.C.
The company acquired from the Tin Areas of Nigeria Limited, an area of 1,920 acres which were originally held by the Niger Company. Mr. Charles Scott has been engaged as mine manager, and is now on the property, from which about 20 tons of black tin were won during May, June, and July.
At the statutory meeting held on 22nd August, the chairman said:
“I may say that I have had the pleasure on two or three occasions of meeting Mr. H. W. Laws, who was the chief mining engineer of the Niger Company in Northern Nigeria, and is now their consulting engineer here. He had for sometime the direction of the work on this particular mine. In the course of friendly conversations with him, he told me that he was of opinion that our company should get back its capital, together with interest commensurate with the risk run in all mining enterprises. He also told me that he considered the mine could go on producing indefinitely anything up to 200 tons of tin per annum, without any capital expenditure, but he added that he thought that would be a very wrong policy to pursue, and that the right thing to do was to have, as we intend having, a thorough survey made of the property, and then come to a conclusion as to the best method of working it. I think that it is very satisfactory to hear this from Mr. Laws, because it points to the fact that we have really got a sound property, and one which, if properly managed, will prove to be a sound speculative investment. It is a property which must be regarded as a low-grade proposition. Although, of course, it is more fascinating to have a property which may be called a very rich one, yet a large low-grade property is really far more satisfactory from the shareholders’ point of view than a property which is simply rich in patches, because with a large low-grade proposition it is a case of “cut and come again”and as often as you like. There is always something to go away with. Mr. Lush, in a report which he gave us at the time of the flotation of this mine, estimated that we could reckon upon having 500 acres containing 2 lbs. of tin per cubic yard, and if that estimate is realised—and I have no reason to anticipate that it will not be realised—and the profits are made that he foreshadowed might be made, you have a very handsome property, and one containing apparently something over half a million sterling worth of tin.”
Capital.—£200,000 in £1 shares.Directors.—The Earl of Wharncliffe, Sir William Wallace, K.C.M.G., William Scott Coutts, Samuel Watkin Carlton, James Gardiner.Secretary.—Stanley Aldous.Offices.—51 and 52 Fenchurch Street, E.C.
Capital.—£200,000 in £1 shares.
Directors.—The Earl of Wharncliffe, Sir William Wallace, K.C.M.G., William Scott Coutts, Samuel Watkin Carlton, James Gardiner.
Secretary.—Stanley Aldous.
Offices.—51 and 52 Fenchurch Street, E.C.
This company was formed to acquire and work mining rights over a property known as the Bisichi Valley Tin Area, comprising an area of three square miles in extent, situated in the Bauchi Tin Fields. It is located about 12 miles south-east of Jos, at the head-waters of the river Gongola, on the main transport route from Keffi to Naraguta.
Mr. Laws, the general mining manager of the Niger Company, in his report, says:
“One of the most pleasing features of thisproperty is its constant supply of water for sluicing and power purposes, and the ample head of water given by the three falls for hydraulicing.”
In the Bisichi Valley there is a large alluvial deposit of light sandy material which is quite free from clay, and is extremely friable, and consequently capable of cheap and rapid concentration.
Black oxide of tin occurs abundantly in the river beds and adjacent alluvial flats, and is of very good quality, there being practically no iron or other impurity associated with it. The tin-bearing alluvial is all on the surface, and varies in depth from a few inches to some 20 feet in the vicinity of the river.
Systematic tests of the alluvial by trial pits were commenced this year, and up to the present the great proportion of the alluvial of the river Bisichi has been tested.
The tested ground averages 4 yards in depth, and contains approximately 2,120,000 cubic yards of payable alluvial wash. The latter varies in value from traces to 129 lbs. of black tin per cubic yard, the average value being 7.27 lbs. of black tin per cubic yard. The total contents of the tested portion therefore amounts to 6,800 tons, exclusive of the river bed deposits, whichthe Niger Company’s engineers estimate to contain about 1,000 tons.
The nature of the river-bed wash does not lend itself to accurate sampling, but Mr. Laws, judging by actual returns from similar deposits on this field, considers this estimate of 1,000 tons a moderate one, and states that it may be taken that some 7,800 tons of black tin (containing over 70 per cent. of pure metal) have been developed to date. Taking the costs as estimated by Mr. Laws at £45 per ton, the above tonnage contained in the area already proved, shows an available profit of over £350,000.
Payable tin-bearing alluvial exists on other portions of the Bisichi Valley area, but as it has not yet been measured or tested, no exact estimate can be made of quantities and values. The ground already tested represents about one-tenth of the total area; but the very high values and quantities so far disclosed cannot be taken to apply to the whole area, as it is natural that the course of the main stream should carry better values and deeper ground than the remainder of the land where the alluvial would be more patchy and shallower. It will be seen, however, that the estimated working costs per ton have been placed by Mr. Laws at a figure which will permit of lowergrade ground being worked than that already referred to.
Mr. Laws advises the immediate erection of an hydraulicing plant capable of dealing efficiently with wash dirt sufficient to produce 800 tons of black tin annually, an ample head of water being available for this purpose throughout the year.
He also states that it would be quite possible to commence work on the property immediately by ground sluicing; but he is strongly of opinion that this policy would be unwise, as the disturbance of the ground might tend to interfere with the economical working on a large scale such as is proposed.
Provided no unforeseen difficulties arise, Mr. Laws is of opinion that the whole of the plant would be in operation within nine months.
If Mr. Laws’ advice is taken, he estimates that working cost would amount to about £10 per ton on ore of the value already found, but, as stated above, to allow for working a larger quantity of lower grade ground, working costs should be placed at £15 per ton of ore. The price of the ore in the market at Liverpool may be taken at £90 per ton, which, after deducting £15 for working costs, and £30 per ton for transport andcontingencies, would leave a margin of profit of £45 per ton of ore. Although it is proposed in the earlier stages of development to equip the mine with plant capable of producing 800 tons annually, any increase on this rate of working will depend on surveys determining the head of water available.
Capital.—£100,200 in £1 shares, of which 100,000 are ordinary shares and 200 founders’ shares; all are issued and fully paid.Directors.—Rt. Hon. Lord Harris (Chairman), Edmund Davis, Friedrich Eckstein, H. Strakosah, R. G. Fricker (Managing Director).Secretaries.—The Consolidated Goldfields of South Africa, Limited.Offices.—8 Old Jewry, E.C.
Capital.—£100,200 in £1 shares, of which 100,000 are ordinary shares and 200 founders’ shares; all are issued and fully paid.
Directors.—Rt. Hon. Lord Harris (Chairman), Edmund Davis, Friedrich Eckstein, H. Strakosah, R. G. Fricker (Managing Director).
Secretaries.—The Consolidated Goldfields of South Africa, Limited.
Offices.—8 Old Jewry, E.C.
This company, which is managed by the Consolidated Goldfields of South Africa, Limited, has secured an interest in a tin business in Nigeria. The company have sent out Mr. Balfour, who has had experience in tin dredging in the Straits Settlements. The tin property which is here referred to was floated in conjunction with the Anglo-Continental Mines, Limited, and was called the Northern Nigerian (Bauchi) Tin Mines, Limited.
Capital.—£10,000 in £1 shares; 8,500 are issued and fully paid, the balance are under option at par till 31st March, 1911.Directors.—Charles E. Pearson (Chairman), C. L. W. Wallace, H. Kemble, G. F. Jones.Secretary.—J. H. Dormer.Offices.—21 Great Winchester Street, E.C.
Capital.—£10,000 in £1 shares; 8,500 are issued and fully paid, the balance are under option at par till 31st March, 1911.
Directors.—Charles E. Pearson (Chairman), C. L. W. Wallace, H. Kemble, G. F. Jones.
Secretary.—J. H. Dormer.
Offices.—21 Great Winchester Street, E.C.
The company originally held a prospecting mining licence over an area of ten square miles, situated in the Benue River district, Northern Nigeria.
Mr. Harry Kemble, accompanied by an experienced engineer, left for Nigeria early this year. The following circular was issued to the shareholders on 29th August 1910:
“I beg to inform you that Mr. Kemble, writing from Naraguta, on 21st July, reports as follows:—
“‘Please inform my brother-directors I have acquired four square miles of very rich tin area, as stated in my cable of the 19th inst. It is mainly in the streams, and will be almost entirely recovered by calabash washing (i.e.natives washing the alluvial in calabashes).’”
In a cable from Mr. Kemble, dated 8th August, he states that he has acquired a further six squaremiles, also rich, and on 21st August he cabled that he has acquired “another square mile extremely rich.”
With regard to the exact locality of these areas, Mr. Kemble says: “Mr. Knight will have plans, report, &c., ready for sending home as soon as possible.”
The following was issued to shareholders on 15th September 1910:
“Referring to my circular of 29th August, in which I informed you that Mr. H. Kemble reported having secured in all eleven square miles of very rich tin area, in a letter just received from Mr. Kemble, dated 3rd August, he states that as a test they have washed 3,000 lbs. of tin in five days’ work. With reference to seven square miles which Mr. Kemble has secured for the company, he says:
“‘(1) Property on which camp is built lies nearly half-way between Bauchi Town and Naraguta. It is two miles long by half-mile wide, taking in the Ademi River in its length. There are other smaller streams on the property running into the Ademi, and also containing tin. One square mile. (2) Property on the river known locally as the Kogin Zungur, one day’s march due south of Bauchi Town, and commencing quarter-milesouth-west of the town of Zungur, is six miles long and one wide. Mr. Knight reports it rich in tin. Six square miles. It is impossible for Mr. Knight to make detailed plans yet, as all his time must be devoted to getting hold of further concessions.’”
Capital.—£100,000 in 400,000 shares of 5s. each; present issue 240,000 shares.Directors.—Mr. P. G. Hamilton-Carvill, J.P. (Director of the Van Ryn Gold Mining Estates, Ltd.), Mr. T. F. Dalglish (Director of the Taquah and Abosso Gold Mining Cos.), Mr. James A. Duncan (Director of New African Co., Ltd.), Mr. Leama R. Davis (Director of Millar’s Karri and Jarrah Co., Ltd.), and Mr. George Ochs (Director of Abosso Gold Mining Co.).Secretary.—Mr. H. J. Smith.Offices.—34 Clement’s Lane, E.C.
Capital.—£100,000 in 400,000 shares of 5s. each; present issue 240,000 shares.
Directors.—Mr. P. G. Hamilton-Carvill, J.P. (Director of the Van Ryn Gold Mining Estates, Ltd.), Mr. T. F. Dalglish (Director of the Taquah and Abosso Gold Mining Cos.), Mr. James A. Duncan (Director of New African Co., Ltd.), Mr. Leama R. Davis (Director of Millar’s Karri and Jarrah Co., Ltd.), and Mr. George Ochs (Director of Abosso Gold Mining Co.).
Secretary.—Mr. H. J. Smith.
Offices.—34 Clement’s Lane, E.C.
This company has secured an area of 5¼ miles next to Naraguta, the alluvial area comprising about 785 acres. Mr. H. W. Laws reporting on these 785 acres, says:
“The bed of the stream is extremely rich in tin, in fact it is one of the richest in the country.”
Mr. Laws also says that fifty natives with calabashes can earn 10 tons of tin per month at a cost of less than £10 per ton, and that the extraexpense for transport, &c., to England, would not come to more than £30. This would mean that fifty tributers, with the most primitive methods, could earn 100 tons per annum, since it is stated that there is plenty of water for sluicing purposes during eight months of the year. During the remaining four dry months of the year there is ample water left in the pools. In addition to the alluvial properties, the Gel Company has a half share in a lode firm on a property covering 640 acres. Upon this lode the Niger Company have already spent £10,000 in prospecting shafts with satisfactory results. The lode formation is 20 feet wide on an average, and an analysis of prospects gave 20 per cent. of tin.
Capital.—£125,000 in £1 shares, issued as fully paid in part payment of purchase money; 25,000 were offered at par, and are 2s. paid, and the remaining 35,500 are held in reserve for future issue.Directors.—Mr. Charles Vivian Thomas (Chairman of Tronoh Mines), Mr. Arthur Oliphant Burton, Mr. Louis A. Neel.Secretary.—Mr. C. M. Champness, C.A.Offices.—103 Cannon Street, E.C.
Capital.—£125,000 in £1 shares, issued as fully paid in part payment of purchase money; 25,000 were offered at par, and are 2s. paid, and the remaining 35,500 are held in reserve for future issue.
Directors.—Mr. Charles Vivian Thomas (Chairman of Tronoh Mines), Mr. Arthur Oliphant Burton, Mr. Louis A. Neel.
Secretary.—Mr. C. M. Champness, C.A.
Offices.—103 Cannon Street, E.C.
This company acquired their property through Mr. W. H. Champion, who has also reported on the property. Most of the other companieswhich have been formed up to this date, are working in the Bauchi Province, and as the Akerri Company is proposing to work in a new district near Zungeru, the present capital of the Colony, a copy of Mr. Champion’s report is given in full:
“Having been appointed by you to prospect and report on your tin properties in Northern Nigeria, to which place I proceeded in March, I have now much pleasure in submitting to you the following particulars:
“Situation.—Your property is situate one day’s journey in a south-westerly direction from Zungeru, the present capital of the Colony, and one and a half day’s journey north-east of Jebba, which is an important railway centre.
“There is one important point as regards its position, which places it far ahead of any property of any company at present working in this Colony. That is, you have as boundaries, on the north the Lagos Railway (Northern Extension), on the west the Kara River, and on the east the Kaduna River.
“It is a granite country, and although in the Naraguta district reefs have been proved to exist, large alluvial deposits, which yield cassiterite (tin oxide), are of chief importance.
“Mining.—For a couple of years the nativeshave been working in the rivers adjoining, and also on your property, treating the ore in their usual primitive way by means of ‘washing’ with wooden pans or calabashes.
“Under my supervision a large number of bore-holes were put down, varying in depth from 10 feet to 35 feet. I can form no idea as to the depths of the tin-bearing soil, as on the western boundary I have reached 35 feet in depth without getting to the end, on the eastern boundary about 30 feet in depth. You have over the whole of your area alluvial deposits existing on a very large scale. These deposits yield cassiterite (tin oxide) containing on an average 62 per cent. metallic tin, which proves the alluvial to be as rich or even richer than you find in any other part of the world.
“I estimate the yield at 7 lbs. per cubic yard—equal to, say, 5 s. per cubic yard, with tin oxide at £85 per ton. The cost of production would be approximately 6d. per cubic yard.
“The extent of the property is great, the natural facilities for mining are favourable, and the output of tin will be simply proportionate to the number of men employed. Assuming that a minimum of only 250 natives be employed, they should produce 500 tons of metallic tin perannum. Taking the price of tin oxide at £85 per ton, there would be a profit of some £36,000 per annum.
“The mining rights are over 3,200 acres, or five square miles, granted by the Northern Nigerian Government, and are subject to an annual rent of 5s. per acre.
“There is also a 10 per cent. royalty on the net profits derived from production, but I can assure you that there is every prospect of a reduction taking place in the near future.
“Labour.—This is undoubtedly one of the most important questions with which mining companies will have to deal at a very near date. This I foresaw, and am now pleased to say that arrangements have been made with the Zereki, or Chief of the Village, close by, to provide you with not less than 300 natives at any time or date, the same are required.
“Transport.—This is another important question.
“At the present moment the railway has not been completed, but I assure you that it will be before the end of the present year. They are now laying it at the rate of one mile per day, and are only some forty miles from your property when I left on 14th May.
“In this matter you have a very great advantage over those companies who are exploiting the Bauchi district, for, to quote the words of their expert, the cost of carriage from their tin fields to Liverpool is some £27 per ton. The cost to you will not exceed £12 per ton, so you will have on every ton arriving in Liverpool a clear profit of £15 more than they get. This is a large margin, and when worked out on the small production of 500 tons per annum (which I have previously mentioned), means a sum of £7,500 over and above what they can get on the same quantity.
“Water.—There is no need for me to dwell on this point, as the very large rivers you have as boundaries will be more than ample supply for all or any companies who will be operating here in the near future.
“Climate.—Northern Nigeria is far different to any part of West Africa. You are at an elevation of some 500 feet. The nights are quite cool, and any man who takes ordinary care of himself and lives well ought to have good health. It is, in my opinion, by far and away the healthiest part of West Africa, and I say this after sixteen years spent in different parts of it.
“In conclusion, the results obtained prove conclusivelythat there is immense alluvial wealth which can be cheaply won, and I believe in this property you have one which will prove an astonishing success.
“I should recommend you to at once commence operations on a large scale.
“A large working capital is unnecessary; and I consider that £25,000 will be more than ample for all requirements.”
This company, which has been dealing for some time in South African business, has recently acquired an interest in a Nigerian tin property comprising an area of 640 acres, containing a lode which is claimed to be the mother lode of the district. Arrangements are now being made to prove the lode at depth. In addition this company have also acquired an alluvial property adjoining, which runs along the bed of a stream for a distance of about 5¼ miles, and extends to a width of 200 yards on each bank. The property has as its northern neighbour the Naraguta Company, with the Jos Tin Company on the east, and the Bauchi Tin Syndicate on the west. This company appears to be working in conjunctionwith the Gel Tin Lode and Alluvial Company, which company is probably a subsidiary company issued by it.