MCN 596.

Abstract

The above claim is small, 1.65 ha with a length of about 600 metres and a width of about 127.5 metres. The actual alluvial cassiterite alluvial lode is narrower than this. At the upper third it is about a dozen metres wide. Values at the upper (southern end) are about 3 kilograms per cubic metre for an average depth of half a metre. The lower end of the claim averages about half a kilogram per cubic metre, again shallow, about one metre in depth. Owing to the steep nature of the ground, run off of rain is rapid and water is only available in wet H For some years prior to the marking of this claim and taking it, Sime (under the former Mining Act) used to hand work during wet spells and recover about $12 per hour cassiterite which was then sold to Associated Tin Smelters of Sydney. It was found necessary to take a dredging claim over this area when another prospector took an interest in it. Some years ago arrangement was made for a retired Mines Branch employee to work the claim. Over difficult terrain an access track was made. A front end loader was purchased for him and 10 ton per hour plant was made available. A fall in the price of tin, compounded by Tin Smelters being unable to increase the intake of tin, caused the attempt to work this holding to be abandoned and the man, plant and loader went to work on another holding. To the north of the claim, a gully from the west which cuts the gold lodes at its western end, has caused the alluvial lode to have a substantial gold content. Currently it would not be viable to work this claim but should the price of tin rise the claim will be viable.