Encounter Resources Confirms High-Grade West Arunta Niobium Discovery at Green

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THE DRILL SERGEANT: Encounter Resources (ASX: ENR) claimed confirmation of extensive, enriched, high-grade niobium mineralisation at the company’s 100 per cent-owned Aileron project in the West Arunta region of Western Austtralia.

Encounter Resources made the declaration on the back of the first RC drilling results received from the Green prospect at the Aileron project where assay results confirmed the presence of high-grade niobium mineralisation in the upper portion of the system.

The company said the results demonstrate the continuity of the high-grade niobium system from next door neighbour WA1’s Luni discovery in the south-west, across the tenement boundary into Green.

New intercepts from Green include:

EAL894
116 metres at 1.7 per cent niobium from 52m to EOH, including 28m at 3.3 per cent niobium from 62m and 32m at 2.1 per cent niobium from 95m; and

EAL899
81m at 1.5 per cent niobium from 39m, including 43m at 2.4 per cent niobium from 43m.

Encounter highlighted the 197 metres intersection of hole EAL894, claiming it to be the highest ‘grade x thickness’ RC drill intercept returned from the entire West Arunta province to date.

The company’s initial RC drilling at Green has now established a zone of strike extensive, thick, high-grade mineralisation, and subsequently, a diamond hole has been completed for metallurgical test work.

Further batches of assays from the remaining 30 RC holes completed across approx. 2km of strike at the western part of Green will be returned in the coming months.

“Green is a large mineralised carbonatite (+3km long) containing multiple zones of shallow, high-grade niobium mineralisation identified with aircore drilling,” Encounter Resources executive chairman Will Robinson said in the company’s ASX announcement.

“The first RC holes completed at the western side of Green demonstrate some of the best, depth extensive niobium mineralisation in the West Arunta.

“A further 30 RC drill holes have been completed at Green, through the better mineralised zones defined by aircore drilling, and we look forward to providing further assay results in the months ahead.”

 

 

TO READ THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: CLICK HERE

 

 

Premier Forrest Encouraged to Provide Financial Incentives to Advance Goldfields

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THE ROADHOUSE HISTORY FILES: Money, and how it has been raised and spent throughout the history of the Goldfields has been subject to conjecture from an early stage.

 

THE KALGOORLIE MINER

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1895.

It has been suggested that as the easiest and most profitable method of making these vast interior goldfields of the colony as successful as nature intended them to be, the Government should borrow largely, and lend money to the holders of the mines at 10 per cent.

If Sir John Forrest were to go to London with a request for £25,000,000 at 4 per cent, for the purpose of opening up these fields, the very vastness of the scheme would carry it through.

The British public would be taken by the bait of a gamble in mining with 4 per cent. per annum guaranteed by the State, and money is now so plentiful that it is almost certain that the loan would be subscribed many times over.

With this money it would be possible to lend to each mine or group of mines, on a 10 per cent. basis, sufficient capital to sink for water, and erect machinery.

The owners of each group could jointly guarantee the amount expended on the work of obtaining water and putting up a mill, and the plants could be run on the system recommended by the Government Geologist as Customs works.

There is no doubt the most wasteful system of mining in the world is that in vogue in our midst of erecting expensive plants on each individual mine in the locality.

In the case of the Boulder, Lake View and Brown Hill, and a few others, this enormous expense is fully justified, but in the outside districts especially it is nonsensical to incur this expenditure on 12 acre blocks, through which runs a 3ft quartz lode.

As Geologist Goczel points out the money needed for these plants has to be raised from capitalists, and in the endeavor to satisfy their usurous demands all the energy available for the conduct of mining enterprises becomes absorbed in efforts towards the attainment of monetary results.

Under these conditions no provision can be made for preparatory work as commended by experience.

Either the bulk of the mines must be handed over entirely to the English capitalists, who will invest on the conditions mentioned above, or the Government must come to the aid of the fields by lending money on the basis suggested.

Such a loan as that mentioned would be the greatest advertisement it is possible to give the colony and its great goldfields, and the scheme will no doubt receive from the Government the attention it deserves.

If it were carried out the Esperance Bay water scheme could be at once put in hand, and a certain supply secured for at least a few of our biggest mines.

There is every indication of a terrible drought visiting the Eastern Colonies, and as Nature invariably balances things this should mean that the arid West has every prospect of a wet summer following on the heels of a very wet winter.

Fortune has so far favored the fields, and probably has even choicer smiles in store for us.

 

IN OTHER NEWS…

The first meeting of the Stock Exchange of Kalgoorlie was held on Monday at noon, and meetings will now be held every day at the same hour.

It has been decided to admit fifteen additional members on payment of an entrance fee of £20.

The meetings are held in Geoghegan’s Buildings.

The election of the new members will take place on September 26.

It will be seen by our advertising columns that applications are being invited for the position of secretary to the Exchange at a salary of £175 per year with the right of private practice.

 

 

Goldfields Rail Infrastructure Needed to Keep Mining Industry Rolling

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THE ROADHOUSE HISTORY FILES: In 1895 the potential of the Goldfields was just being realised and what was also being realised by the miners of the day was the dearth of Government understanding of what was required to establish and keep the industry going.

126 years ago, and the two main Goldfields newspapers of the day were holding the Government to task over infrastructure.

It can, at times, seem just like yesterday…

 

THE KALGOORLIE MINER

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1895

 

The Bill authorising the extension of the railway from Coolgardie to Kalgoorlie has passed its second reading and will probably become law within a few weeks.

In one evening the measure was read a second time and carried, through committee almost without discussion or amendment and its final adoption by both Houses is now assured.

No greater compliment could have been paid to the field than this, especially when it is remembered that the Coolgardie line was opposed at every step, and the full weight of the influence of the Government was needed to carry the Bill through.

No doubt the attitude of the members was to some extent influenced by the fact that the longer line is being constructed for a merely nominal price, but in a much greater measure the almost unanimous endorsement of the action of the Ministry in determining upon the line was due to the general recognition of the value of the mines of the district.

Of the richness of the properties on the main lines of lode no doubt can be entertained by any reasonable man and we have the assurance of Herr Schmeisser, the great German authority, that the mines are permanent.

The output of the few properties in the neighbourhood that are already crushing are the chief outturn of the vast interior goldfields of the colony and the members had little option but to carry the railway bill through.

At the same time the thanks of all interested in the mines and the district generally are due to the Ministry for their speedy action in this matter.

The first request ever made for the extension of the line was that put forward by the public meeting held some five or six weeks ago and the Premier at once responded by giving instructions, for the preparation of the bill authorising the work.

This cordial sympathy with the wants and demands of a new goldfield is creditable alike to the Ministry and the members of the Assembly.

It is in strange contrast with the grudging spirit in which the N.S.W. House treated Broken Hill, and should do much to reconcile even those wild spirits who, wherever they may be, are ‘ again the Government.’

It will be at least ten months before the construction of the line can be commenced, but it is satisfactory to know the work will be put in hand directly the section now being constructed is handed over.

This will be in July next, and within three or four weeks from that date Kalgoorlie will be in direct railway communication with the coast.

How great a boon this will be to the district it is unnecessary to state as the saving on the haulage of plant and machinery for our mines will be sufficient to pay a dividend on some of the stocks, while the cheapening of the cost of living resulting from the cheapening of stores will enable the miners to make homes for themselves and their families in the town.

It is not too much to expect that before the line reaches us Kalgoorlie will contain a population of at least 20,000. people, and the railway which is being so readily granted should be the best paying line in the colony.

 

COOLGARDIE MINER

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1895

 

LIGHT RAILWAYS

THE Government have decided to construct the Coolgardie to Hannan’s Railway, and their decision has been endorsed by the Legislative Assembly, and will, beyond doubt, receive equally prompt endorsement at the hands of the Council, and of the country.

Mr. Moran’s suggestion, that the work might be proceeded with at once, instead of being delayed until the completion of the line from Southern Cross to Coolgardie, might also have been adopted, for in that case, the opening of both might reasonably have been looked for almost simultaneously, and the effect upon the advancement of the field at and beyond Hannan’s, by reason of the greater and cheaper facilities thereby afforded for the carriage of machinery and supplies, would have been immense.

But “half a loaf is better than no bread,” and we must at least feel gratified that the line is practically au fait accompli.

Following their determination in this matter, the Government might now go one better, and place themselves still more en rapport with the mining community—and
we include in the term, the British and Continental investros (sic), whose monies are coming amongst us — by considering the advisability of constructing steam tramways or light railways from Cooigardie and Hannans to the adjacent fields.

They could be laid down at, small cost, for speed need not be considered as a necessity.

A light line sufficient for the speed of, say, ten to fifteen miles an hour would meet the requirements, and while the cost of such lines would be small, the returns would be amply sufficient to warrant the necessary outlay.

If we consider the number of mining companies, developed and in course of development, that will require the erection of ore-reducing plants within the next year, we must at once recognise the immense traffic that has to be provided for in some way or other, and it presents itself at once to the Government as a simple, commercial question, whether the departure we are advocating will prove financially a success or otherwise.

We on the fields, who are becoming acquainted with the mineral resources of the district, and who cannot fail to understand, to some extent, the future progress that is ensured to will be prepared to ardently support the Government in the proposal, and we may reasonably surmise that they will not be averse to a step that will increase the colony’s revenue and prosperity.

From Hannan’s, such places as the I.O.U., White Feather, and even Kurnalpi, might be reached; while connection from Coolgardie might quickly be established with Dundas, on the one hand, and 25-Mile, 45-Mile, Black Flag, Broad Arrow, and, in fact, all the mining settlements between here and 90-Mile.

Hundreds of thousands of tons of machinery will reach these places in the course of the next couple of years, and thereafter there will be constant carriage of supplies and mining requisites, not to speak of the mining timber that will then be available from the extensive forests between here and Perth, and which we shall, probably, have eventually to fall back upon for permanent and cheap supplies.

Moreover, on such level country, presenting no engineering difficulties, it would cost little or nothing to build and ballast the permanent way, and by laying down the same gauge as the present railway lines, transhipment would be avoided.

For even the heaviest rolling stock and loading could be ran over these proposed cheaply-constructed lines, providing only that a slow speed was maintained.

Whatever is done in the matter should be done speedily, and we are assured that if the Government feel disinclined to undertake the work, private enterprise will be forthcoming.

For there is the certainty of big returns from a small outlay, and those interested in the companies will assist in any movement that will serve to reduce the —at present—prohibitive cost of placing their machinery on their mines.

We commend the matter to the serious attention of the Government, and trust they will see their way clear to undertake the work.

High Kicks and Hi-Jinks Always on the Kalgoorlie Entertainment Bill

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THE ROADHOUSE HISTORY FILES: Diggers & Dealers always brings the best out of Kalgoorlie, providing the visiting throng with a wealth of entertainment possibilities.

Judging by this week’s missive from the early pages of the City’s newspaper, perhaps the forums’ entertainment committee may have to rethink who they bring up to headline the Gala Dinner this year.

Kalgoorlie Miner: September 16 1895

Hansen’s Concert Company gave a performance in the dining room at the Club Hotel on Saturday evening to a large audience.

The programme commenced with an overture by the orchestra, and then followed a chorus, by the company, and songs by Messrs Cahill, Jenkins, Bracy, Martin and Fletcher, the last named possessing a beautiful tenor voice.

Eddie Simpson contributed some of his well-known Coster songs, and was deservedly encored whilst Albert Whelan’s facial contortions were most amusing.

In the second part of the programme amongst the selections were a clog dance by W. Jenkins, and some skilful dancing and high kicking by Messrs Martin and Moran.

rollicking farce entitled ‘Shaving made easy,’ concluded the programme.

The company are to perform again at Hannans in a fortnight’s time.

 

Company Values Held Back from London Bulls by Kalgoorlie Bears

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THE ROADHOUSE HISTORY FILES: Diggers & Dealers attracts all types to Kalgoorlie for the week of the Forum, many of which are involved in the buying and selling of shares of the companies present.

It would seem, from the early pages of the town’s newspaper that speculation of the involvement of shareholders in the fortunes of local companies was on the minds of industry watchers back then.

 

Kalgoorlie Miner: September 14 1895

 

The sudden rise in Lake View shares which have quickly jumped from 22s (shillings) to £2 should serve as a warning to anyone tempted to “bear” the stocks of the district.

The rise was occasioned by the arrival of heavy buying orders from London, and it is quite on the cards that some of the little Australian firms, which for years have successfully rigged the Colonial scrip markets, will find themselves badly left by a similar influx of English buying orders.

The attention the Kalgoorlie mines are now receiving in the Old Country is hardly credited even by many local men, who appear to think the market can be as easily rigged now as in the good old days when all stocks were held in the colonies.

This is not the case and at present there is every appearance of a London boom in Hannans stocks, which will result in the market being ruled from the great moneyed centre of the world.

Already Australia’ s boldest specker, who went to London with the avowed intention of knocking out Boulder shares is returning a poorer if not a wiser man.

If the great British public commence to invest in our shares no feeble attempt of Colonial “bears ” will be of avail to check the rise in the market which will boom in spite of them.

There is no reason why Lake Views should have been so long neglected on their price so low.

Although not a sensational property it is a sterling mine which will continue to pay dividends for many years to come.

The rise is perfectly justified and is but the forerunner of many equally startling, which will take place within the next few months.

From now to the end of November is the most active period of the London Mining Market, and there is little doubt the next few months have many surprises in store for Kalgoorlie.

 

 

Kalgoorlie Stakes its Historic Claim as Goldfields Capital

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THE ROADHOUSE HISTORY FILES: With the 2021 Diggers and Dealers Forum looming, The Resources Roadhouse commences a weekly look at the history of the town of Kalgoorlie through the pages of the town’s Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper.

From the paper’s first edition it would seem that not much has changed in terms of the mining industry’s contribution to Kalgoorlie, the state of Western Australia and the Nation in general.

Kalgoorlie Miner: September 14 1895

THIS town is rapidly taking its place as the capital of the goldfields of Western Australia…

Already the mines of the district are so remarkable that they have thrown into the shade all properties in less favoured localities.

Today it is the Hannans mines and the phenomenal success which has attended their returns that have kept the great interior goldfields of Western Australia before the public.

But for these the collapse of the Londonderry, Bayley’s and a few other well-known properties would have caused a general withdrawal of money from these fields and thus have given gold mining a check such as years of patient labor (sic) would not have overcome.

Thanks to the wonderful success of the Great Boulder, Lake View and Ivanhoe mines, the only three crushing on the field, the whole of the interior goldfields have been saved from at least utter stagnation.

Now for the first time the district is being appreciated at its true worth as the greatest gold mining camp of the century and a boom founded solely on the merits of our hitherto ” Overlooked
Ore Deposits” is setting in.

Already the town is assuming the importance of an inland city, and all the mercantile houses of the colony are falling over one another in their eagerness to secure business sites in the main street.

The price of land, that sure barometer of the prosperity of the chief place in a district is going up by leaps and bounds and on all sides.

The clang of the builders’ hammers make noise, if not music, day and night.

It is not too much to expect that within a very short space of time Kalgoorlie will have a population of 20,000.