With regard to the smaller concession of 12½ acres, Mr. Lush confirmed the statement that the alluvial tin at this point was exceptionally rich, averaging as much as 12 lbs. per cubic yard.
In his report on this property dated February 21, 1910, Mr. Lush said:
“From surface pannings I should estimate the overburden, or rather stanniferous gravelly deposit overlying the wash, to go 2 lbs. per cubic yard. It would be interesting to see the values and thickness of the bottom wash. Provided sufficient power is obtained, there is room here for at least four big plants capable of treating 10,000 cubic yards of gravel each per week: 40,000 yards at 2 lbs. equals 80,000 lbs. of tin oxide, equal to 35 tons per week.
“I look for a fair depth of payable ground, everything points to its being so, but only boring can decide this.
“Life of property would largely depend on the depth of the deposit and the number of plants erected, but presuming the deposit is 15 feet deep, and you instal four plants capable of putting through 10,000 yards weekly each, it would take fully eight years to work out this 500 acres of the property.
“I understand that the total area of land taken over by you from the Niger Bauchi Syndicate is 50 square miles, or 32,000 acres. In this report I am only dealing with the southern and south-western part of your holding, some 20 square miles, as I did not visit the northern portion. I was, however, credibly informed by one of the Government mining officials that on the northern block of 30 square miles there are also stanniferous deposits, and in addition a very promising tin lode, a continuation of the one that has been opened up by the Niger Company on your eastern boundary. The actual value and life of only the area I have reported upon would, in my opinion, quite justify your proceeding with vigorous development work at once. The probable values of the remaining 30 square miles may possibly turn out equal to the southern; there is no reason why they should not, as the whole of the property is within a rich alluvial and lode tin district that has hardly as yet been scratched.”
On June 15 the company’s representative in Nigeria cabled: “Active sluicing operations will be commenced as soon as sufficient water is available. Meantime 6 tons of tin have been produced by means of calabashes.”
A complete sluicing plant has been shipped, and pending its arrival washing by means of calabashes is being continued.
At the first statutory meeting, Mr. Lush said, since delivering his report: