CHAPTER VI.

GOLD MINING ON A SMALL SCALE.

THE yield of gold on Moodies in the early days was:

*

For the above table I am indebted to that valuable publica

tion Golden South Africa by G. B. Mathers, F.R.G.S.

* Estimated value of alluvial gold found, £8000.

The outputs in this table show an average yield of 29 dwts. to the ton of ore. This high figure cannot be taken as the average yield to-day; as the earlier prospectors were able to mine the richest outcrops by means of long shallow trenches having a depth of about 20 feet, and as these outcrops were highly decomposed and easy to work, the general result would be a high average output. Later on, with deeper trenches, more blasting, and a larger proportion of low-grade ore, the general average yield would gradually diminish from 10 to 18 dwts. per ton of 2000 lbs. weight.

Of course, by working to-day on a small scale and selecting the richest ore, the average yield might be increased to over 20 dwts. Therefore, it is advisable in making good ground payable not to establish too big a concern, except where the chutes are very large or very closely situated, so that the transport expenses from the mine to the battery may not be unduly great. A five-stamp battery should be ample for most small concerns with limited means, and would suffice for developing the ground and proving if it was worth the erection of more extensive machinery. The outlay would be about as follows:

:

A five-stamp mill, erected complete in the Barberton district, would cost about £2500.* Suppose such a battery has been erected, the property well opened up, and a good amount of ore ready, say about 100 or 200 tons, at an average value of 15 dwts. per ton, the monthly outlay and profits should be as follows:

:

Each stamp crushes, say, 1 ton in twenty-four hours, at a speed of 75 blows per minute. Five stamps crush 5 tons a day.

* Estimate given by Fraser & Chalmers, Ltd.

Five tons per day in a month of 26 working days amount to 130 tons. Taking the average value of 15 dwts. per ton, the result would be 130 x 15 = 1950 dwts, 97 ozs. 10 dwts. One ounce of gold is usually reckoned to be worth £3 10s.

=

The monthly output of 97 ozs. 10 dwts. would be worth
Monthly expenses, as above,

The monthly profit,

£341 5 0

128 10 0

£212 15 0

In addition to the above, there are, of course, a few extra expenses such as the cost of license for mining rights on the claims, which depends on the size of the ground held; and percentage of profit, whatever it may be, payable to the Governinent. For economical working it is wise not to have too large a property. Holding extensive mining rights becomes purely a speculation.

NATIVE LABOUR FOR THE MINES.

The mining work requiring little skill is performed entirely by the black man (Kaffir). He is accustomed to an easy and indolent life in his own location or Kraal, and is therefore not readily induced to seek for work at a distance. When engaged his behaviour is not at all conscientious, and he cares little how he occupies his working time. He will leave his employer as soon as he is tired of work, when all persuasion is of no avail ; in this mood he will even forego his wages. He seems to be more contented when in service on land estates or farms, where the conditions of payment are more congenial to his taste. They are usually as follows:-Instead of money he is either allotted a piece of land upon which he can live with his family and cultivate what he likes during his stay, or live stock is the reward. There are many instances where a native has become the owner of a large number of cattle during his long service. This is the height of his ambition.

It is very necessary for a new comer to understand the handling of natives, who do most of the heavy work in this country. If properly treated they make good and useful servants, easy to teach and willing to learn; but in so many cases they are spoilt by the stranger, who, unused to their manners and customs, assumes a too familiar attitude towards them and plays or jokes with them. They, childlike, always expect this afterwards, lose respect for their employer and fail to realise the importance of the work entrusted to them.

Consequently one must be strict; but harsh treatment is by no means necessary. The arrangements of hire should be carefully made beforehand and fulfilled to the very letter. The average wages are from 30s. to 60s. per month. It is usual to supply the food, which consists generally of mealie meal (Indian corn) during the week and one pound of meat on Saturday, all of which he prefers to cook for himself. For shelter he needs little, being content to roll up blanket under any covering. If there be no accommodation ready he will make a primitive hut out of long pliable reeds or branches and grass, provided they are obtainable in the neighbourhood.

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