A GOOD MINING REPORT.
The report covering the period ending last year of West Rand Consolidated Mines, which is now the big property of the " Alba group," records new high levels for tonnage milled, gold produced, and working revenue and profit. Of the gross profit at £1,123,000, which compares with £896,000 for 1933, taxation absorbed £427,448, and capital expenditure £251,805, whilst the dividends of 224 per cent., against 12i per cent., cost £478,125. An increase in working costs was doubtless due to the lowering-of the grade of ore worked, but the value per ton was 1.31s. higher at 32.76s., and, owing to the advance in the price at which gold is taken from 125s. to 140s. per ounce, there is an increase in the ore reserves from 7,990,000 tons, averaging 4.7 dwt. over 44 in., to 9,271,000 tons, averaging 4.5 dwt. over 43 in. This repre- sents over five years' supply to the enlarged plant. The mine manager also reports development showing a high percentage of payability on all reefs with good values, in particular on the lower levels. * *
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