This report is a summary of information collected between November, 1948 and July, 1949 in the course of visits to the United Kingdom and the United States. The main subjects investigated were the complete gasification of coal, particularly in respect of its application to Victorian brown coal, the production of oil by synthesis and the production and refining of shale oil. Information was sought on a considerable number of other interests in the field of fuel technology as the opportunity offered. The authorities consulted were invariably experts in their respective fields, and great care was taken to record their information accurately. The report is a summary of recent developments and not an exhaustive study of the subjects mentioned. A considerable mass of detail has been excluded but is available on record for further reference.

This report arises from an application by Tableland Tin Dredging, N.L. that tin mining be exempt, like gold mining, from taxation. A detailed examination was made of the tin-mining industry, the results of which are attached to the Report: Appendix I outlines the economic position of the Australian tin industry, and Appendix II summarises the positions of the individual mines. Since the application was first submitted, amendments to the Act have considerably improved the taxation position of mining companies. During the investigation the conclusion emerged that, notwithstanding the recent decided improvements in taxation as applied to mining, some further improvements seemed desirable. Since it was found inadvisable, on grounds of economics policy, to make a special case for the tin industry, proposals were put forward for the mining industry as a whole, using data collected from various mines as particular examples of the effects of taxation.

This report provides an overview of copper mining production in the Northern Territory between 1885 and 1947. Production, distribution, and economic considerations are generally discussed, and the principle copper producing mines are described in some detail. This description includes details of the geology and working of the lodes, ore grade, and recorded production figures.

Report on mine maintenance, costs, equipment, employment, reserves, and workings.

Report on mine maintenance, costs, equipment, employment, reserves, and workings.

Report on mine maintenance, costs, equipment, employment, reserves, and workings.

A summary report of the maintenance work being carried out in various Western Australian gold mines.

Notes on beach sand workings by company at September 1st, 1945.

Two earlier reports on this subject dealt with this industry on the basis of information then available and virtually omitted from consideration the activities of the producer and consumer subsidiaries of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. This company has now supplied detailed information, particularly on its plans for production and it is therefore necessary to review the industry afresh. The production and consumption of asbestos in Australia are discussed in this report.

In response to a request from Mr. W.H. Williams, Director of Mines, Tasmania, a geological survey was made of the asbestos deposits situated near the tunnel on the Emu Bay railway, 5 miles north-east of Zeehan. A programme of investigation was set out involving a detailed survey of the deposit, prospecting and development work, an assessment of potential fibre grades and ore values, and research into milling practice and market utilization of fibre. The geological survey and related investigation, which are the focus of this report, were concerned mainly with the first three items. Three plates, including a geological map, surface plan, and a plan showing underground workings and effective grades, are attached to this report.