Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1907-07-24
MINERAL WEALTH
IN PHILIPPINES
Americans Have Begun Ex-
plOitatiOn of UDdeyelOp-
ed Resources

The work of the American miners
and prospectors now going on in the
Philippine islands is bringing to light
interesting facts concerning the min
eral resources of that almost unknown
country.
Up to the time of American control
and ownership of these islands, little
was known Of the country, its re-
sources and possibilities. In fact. few
of us knew anything more of the coun-
try than its mere location. That 1t was
a rich and inviting field for capital
and labor did not occur to us.
Like everything else. however, that
the enterprising American takes hold
of. 1t becomes valuable and interesting.
and It requires no vivid Imagination to
picture the Philippines in few years
q highly developed, well-governed and
prosperous country.
Speaking of the mineral and mining
resources OF the Philippines, Special
Agent w. A. Graham Clark of the de-
partment Of commerce and labor says:
1.-THE minerals Of the Philippines are
COAL iron. gold and copper.
"Since the American occupation
American miners and.prospectors have
been busy and more has been learned
of the mineral resources Of the islands
than IN the whole previous course Of
Its history. Important deposits Of coal
have been found at Batan, and asbes-
tos at Ilocos Norte, while gold, silver.
and copper have also been found in
paying quantities. The native work
ings of some of the mines run back to
q remote period, but were primitive IL
operation. aa
At Batan bituminous coal has been
discovered in quantities and of excel
lent quality. Analysis shows 1t to be
superior to Pacific and Alaskan COAL
and equal to Japanese and Australian
coal. Tests made on government
transports show 1t to be slightly in
ferior to Japanese coal as regards
steaming radius, ton for ton, but SUI
perior In every other quality of a
steam coal. 1t contains little ash and
little sulphur, both of which are pres
ent to much greater extent in Jap.
anese coal. Besides this, it is very
clear. gives but little SCOT or smoke,
and stands transportation we'll. It's
specific gravity is greater than that
of other oriental Goals, SO that the
steaming radius of the bunkers would
be little, II any, less when loaded with
Batan coal than when loaded with
that from Japan. 1t can be laid down
so cheaply from Batan that it's defect
of being consumed more rapidly than
the coal Of Australia or Japan is more
than balanced by its low cost
Iron is plentiful in large quantities.
In Bulacan province there are noun
tains mainly composed of iron. assay
ing up to SO per cent and over in gov
eminent laboratories. One mountain is
claimed to be all iron. Where located
In conjunction with coal fields, this in
dustry alone will build up that section.
Gold is found all over the island.
but as yet in no large pockets. Amer
the country in their search for the
precious metal. and 1t is believed there
are possibilities in this line. Copper
Is found in large deposits, but lack of
transportation facilities to the locali-
ties where found has prevented much
development. When the new railroads
are in operation, these will become
moro accessible.