Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 40

Graphite

page 21

Graphite.

There is an extensive deposit of graphite at Bannockburn, the only deposit of the kind known of in Otago, but as nothing has been done towards testing it beyond taking samples from the surface where it is mixed with sand and other debris, its value has not been ascertained. Graphite varies in value from £14 to £28 per ton, according to quality.

As it would be profitable to work at less than the lesser figure, its development is only a matter of time. The fact that so extensive an occurrence of a valuable article of commerce should be neglected is accounted for only by the want of capital. The Bannockburn plumbago cuts easy with a knife, and leaves traces on paper the same as an ordinary lead pencil. I am not aware what the consumption is, but it must be considerable, as graphite, plumbago, black lead pencils, or whatever name it may be known by, is used in every house. The world's consumption of pencil lead alone cannot be insignificant. Crucibles also, into the constitution of which plumbago enters largely, must take a large quantity. Great Britain gets most of its supplies from the island of Ceylon. The question of the value of Bannockburn plumbago is a matter that requires investigation.