An earlier reconnaissance survey indicated that monazite is the only likely source of thorium in Australia and further, that the beach sands on the eastern coast for approximately 170 miles on either side of the Queensland-New South Wales border contain by far the largest reserves of monazite. For this reason a special investigation of these sands was conducted. An inspection was made during September, 1944, of the beach sand deposits and of the various plants engaged in the production of concentrates from the sands. Samples were taken, where necessary, to supplement the known information about the composition of the sands and of the different mill products, mainly with a view to ascertaining the distribution and disposal of monazite in the concentrates. The production procedures, disposal practices, and total production of monazite are discussed in this report. An accompanying locality map is included.

At the request of Mr. G. Lindesay Clark, Deputy Controller of Minerals Production, estimates have been made of the grade of ore likely to be delivered to the mill during the next two years under conditions of half-scale production. The methods of estimating tonnage and grade, as well as the resultant estimates, are discussed in this report.

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

A visit was paid to Wiluna on July 28th and 29th, and an inspection made of the underground workings and of the plant. The extraction programme and production of arsenic at Wiluna are discussed in this report.

The Gawler talc deposit, situated 2 miles south from Ulverstone, Tasmania, was inspected in May, 1944, and report No. 1944/21 of this Branch contains descriptions of geology, ore, occurrence, etc. Since that date further work has been done at the mine and some production achieved. The deposit was inspected again in May, 1945, to bring information up to date. The workings, geology, production, grade, and talc reserves are discussed in this report.

Sediments of Lower Cretaceous age are widely distributed in Queensland, northern New South Wales and northern South Australia. Their distribution is closely linked with the Great Artesian Basin, which covers an area exceeding 500,000 square miles. Many bores have been put down in this Basin to tap the aquifers which are present in the Jurassic rocks underlying the Cretaceous. Much material remains to be examined and a full report will be prepared after the examinations have been completed. This report comprises notes on the source of microfossil material, notes on the microfauna, a list of localities, and a distribution list of foraminifera. A map of the localities from which samples have been examined is included.

Bore No. 3831 on W.L. Fennell's property is situated about 30 miles northeast of Langbien's bores. This report describes the results of a micro-examination of samples taken from 6 feet down to 1118 feet.

Findings from a micro-examination of samples taken from the depths of 2,110 feet down to 3,533 feet 11 inches. The series is in continuation of that reported upon 11/10/44.

On 21st November, 1944, a visit was made to the above block at the request of the lessee (Mr. G.D.C. Tanner) who had asked for advice regarding water supply. The report following this visit recommended the testing of an alluvium-filled basin which occupies part of the southeastern quarter of the block. Subsequently Mr. Tanner sank a well at a site about 1,000 feet south of the point indicated as most favourable. For all practical purposes it may be considered that the well has proved that the alluvium is not capable of yielding a useful supply of water at the end of a dry period, and it became necessary to consider the possibility of obtaining water from the bedrock. The present report embodies results of a further examination with this end in view. The location, topography, geology, and possibility of underground water at Block 10 are discussed in this report. A geological sketch map of Block 10 is included.

Results from the micro-examination of samples from 2254 to 4554 feet down, No.2 Bore, Boronga. The series examined is in continuation of that reported upon 30th May, 1942.