At the request of the Defence Supply Planning Branch of the Department of Supply an investigation of the Australian graphite industry was undertaken early in 1950. The particular aspects to be considered in this investigation were listed by the Planning Branch as follows: the specific defence significance of graphite and an estimate of peace and probable wartime demands, the experiences during World War II where applicable, the present and future supple position, alternative methods of ensuring that demands are met in an emergency, and the method recommended to meet demands in an emergency. This report should be considered an interim report containing recommendations for early consideration by the Planning Branch.

The Cobar field was visited during the period 18th to 24th July, mainly in connection with the exploration programme which is taking place in that area. During this visit, however, some information was obtained concerning the operations of the mines controlled by New Occidental Gold Mines, N.L., which company is being assisted financially by the Commonwealth. Estimated operational costs, grade, and production figures are given. The development, exploration, and future of the field are discussed.

The object of this tour was to study ore deposits and methods of exploration in Africa and North America as well as to attend, as Official Delegate of the Commonwealth of Australia, the 19th International Geological Congress held at Algiers in September, 1952. A considerable amount of information was gained concerning ore deposits in the countries visited and this information should be of assistance in the search for further metal deposits in Australia. At the international Congress useful work was achieved and contact was made with a large number of geologists in various parts of the world. These contacts will facilitate the exchange of information between Australia and foreign geologists. The itinerary followed the attached as an Appendix to this report.

The following notes are designed to summarise the work done during my recent visit to North America and United Kingdom. The purpose of the trip to the U.S.A. was to act as an alternate representative at the International Materials Conference, Washington. The International Materials Conference was convened in February 1951, its primary function being to ensure the equitable distribution of certain scarce commodities, and to consider what steps should be taken to expand production, increase availabilities, and conserve supplies.

These notes are compiled as a result of conversations with Government officials and mining engineers in Noumea on 4-6th July, 1951. Figures are given for the production, reserves, and exports of Nickel, Chromite, Manganese, Cobalt, Iron, and other miscellaneous minerals. Most of the figures quoted herein have been compiled from records collected by the Australian Consul.

This report is compiled of four separate reports. (1) "Note on the Application by the Chamber of Mines, W.A." Yield, production, industry costs, and the subsidy proposal are discussed in this report. (2) "Proposal for a Subsidy to the Gold Mining Industry". This report is concerned with details of the economic position of the mines and Western Australian gold industry as a whole. (3) "Supplementary Report on the Proposal for a Subsidy to the Gold Mining Industry". This report summarises the findings of the earlier enquiry into the position of the Western Australian gold industry. (4) "The General Effect on Gold Mine Surplus of Assistance based on Production". The object of this note is to outline briefly some of the principles which require consideration in determining whatever form of assistance may be decided.

This report was prepared by the Mineral Economics Section. Part 1 deals with the production of opal and includes sections on the history and present operations in the industry, production and overseas trade statistics, and the types of mining tenures at present available to opal miners. The fields at present being worked are described and the factors which affect production are discussed. Part 2 deals with the marketing of opal and includes sections on the cutting and preparation of stone, markets at home and abroad, and the various factors affecting trade. A number of proposals for improving trade and trading conditions generally are discussed, and the report concludes with a list of references in literature, two graphs showing the value of opal produced in each State and the whole of Australia, from 1890 to 1947, and a map of Australia showing localities mentioned in the text.

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.

These notes are supplementary to an earlier report (1948/016), and are designed to elucidate certain points brought up in that report. The issues of grade, workings, development, expenditure, production, and future prospects are generally discussed.

Note on production, efficiency factors, and costs of twelve West Australian gold mines. Figures are provided for each mine respectively. A table showing mining and cost statistics is appended.