The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 66

Silver and Silver Ores

Silver and Silver Ores.

The silver exported from the colony has been chiefly extracted from the gold obtained at the Thames, which is alloyed with about 30 per cent, of the less valuable metal.

Within the last few years, however, several mines have been opened where the ore is argentiferous galena that yields 20oz. to 50oz. of silver to the ton. In some cases the galena is mixed with iron-pyrites that yields a fair percentage of gold.

A mine was formerly opened in Nelson, at Richmond Hill, where the ore is a form of tetrahedrite, a mixed ore, containing silver, antimony, zinc, bismuth, and copper, the silver being at the rate of from 20oz. to l,792oz. per ton. The following is an analysis of the ore, which has been called Richmondite, after the locality in which it is found:—
Sulphide of lead 36.12
Sulphide of antimony 22.20
Sulphide of bismuth traces
Sulphide of copper 19.31
Sulphide of iron 13.59
Sulphide of zinc 5.87
Sulphide of silver 2.39
Oxide of manganese .52

The total quantity of silver entered for exportation from New Zealand from the year 1869, when it was first exported, up to the 31st March, 1885, amounted to 447,923oz., valued at £115,114. The amount exported in 1884 amounted to 24,914oz., valued at £5,125.