Prospectors J.C. Paul and T.C. Ash claimed to have discovered wolfram near Lake Koolymilka in the area reserved for the Long Range Weapons project. The general geology and working of the area are briefly outlined in this report, and it is shown that no wolfram or any other minerals of economic importance are present.

In the present report it is sought to explain a number of points, including, in particular, to give an explanation as to why the Company now estimates that its annual loss would be £169,000 per annum as against an estimate of £100,000 per annum, given in the statement issued by the Chamber of Mines. Information is also given in this report concerning the present ore reserve position which is closely bound up with the proposed development program.

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.

The geology, ore reserves, development, costs, and surface operations of the Iron King mine are discussed in this report.

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

Five leases were taken up by the Commission in the Parishes of Jeeraland, Traralgon, Budgeree and Yinnar in the County of Buln Buln. These notes give brief descriptions of three of these leases and also contain some recommendations relative to prospecting on them. Two geological sketch maps are included.

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.

The following notes on the number of the mica mines in the Harts Range area were collected on a recent water survey. They are very incomplete but it is thought that they may be of interest in view of the possibility of stepping up production in this area. Complete data concerning production, etc. of the mines seems to be impossible to obtain.

In view of the shortage of tungsten supplies in allied countries, efforts are being made in Australia to increase production with a view to not only satisfying domestic requirements, but also exporting to Great Britain and the United States of America. The King Island scheelite mine is at present the largest producer of tungsten ore in Australia, and the possibilities of increased production from it were, therefore, among the first to be considered. Geological and geophysical surveys were made in June and July, 1942. A preliminary report was prepared in September and a drilling campaign drawn up to test the deposits with the object of proving sufficient ore-reserves to justify increased production for war purposes. Up till the present, fifteen drill holes have been completed and under a modified programme four remain to be drilled (two of these are in progress). This second preliminary report is based on the drilling and assaying results to date (details of thirteen holes are available).

Mount Kitchin lies about thirty miles west from Chillagoe in Northern Queensland and is 13 miles by bush-track south-west from the now deserted town site of Arbouin on Cardross copper field. Six claims embrace the mica deposits at Mount Kitchin, but only three of these could be examined, on the 8th October, 1942, in the short time at disposal. The brief examination of these three claims, namely, "Wonder", "Anniversary" and "Southern Cross" confirms the remarks of Mr C.C. Morton in his report dated 1/5/42 to the Chief Geologist, Brisbane, and it appears that the "Southern Cross" and "Anniversary" claims contain the only deposits which may become producers in the future. When compared with the mica deposits of Central Australia the pegmatite bodies at Mount Kitchin are very small.