L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 647
inaccessibility difficulties are likely to be experienced in the Transport of ore down from Miri, but all possible steps are being taken to overcome them.
So far only +50 per cent., sulphur ore has been extracted and the Utilisation Branch is now considering the possibility of opening up lower grade ores and washing the ore near Koh-iSultan to improve its quality.
The Utilisation Branch is also carrying out operations to prove some old sulphur mines near Sanni in Kalat State. At present boring operations are in progress there.
Wolfram.—The Utilisation Branch has been exploring two small deposits of wolfram-one in the Bankura district of Bengal and the other in the Nagpur District, C. P. A. certain quantity of wolfram has been extracted from the former deposit and supplied to the Supply Department. This deposit is not particularly attractive as the wolfram occurs dispersed in the rock reef and must be extracted therefrom. Quite a steady output has, however, been obtained from several scattered old low grade occurrences and it is now being considered whether machinery should be installed. The deposit in the Central Provinces is even poorer than that in Bengal. Owing, however, to the great value of wolfram for the war this deposit too is being further investigated and it is hoped to extract a certain quantity of wolfram. The principal occurrence of wolfram in India occurs in Jodhpur State and these mines are being worked by the Jodhpur Government. At the request of the State authorities the Utilisation Branch is giving every assistance by means of technical advice where required and in the supply of machinery.
Tin.—The Utilisation Branch has concentrated on a possible workable occurrence of tin ore in India in the Hazaribagh District of Bihar. Samples taken from the dump heaps show that tin ore has been worked in this area extensively. Efforts are being made to open up the old mines which appear to have extended deeply but are now filled with water. De-watering operations are now in progress, but have been hampered up to date by lack of or proper pumping equipments. Efforts are being made to secure pumping machinery.
Copper.—The Utilisation Branch have investigated the possibility of re-opening an abandoned copper mine in Bihar. These old mines