The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1920-07-01


The present abnormal condition, in
which the price of lead is higher than
that of zinc is a situation almost UNI
heard of, and shows that in the general
increase in trading in lead and zinc
which occurred during the winter and
spring months. lead received a greater
amount of stimulation than zine Al
though the price of zinc today is a
little above the average for 1919 it is
still unsatisfactory to the industry.
Zinc production in the United states
is very flexible, and, owing TO great
natural resources and the normal ex-
cess of smelter capacity. the industry
has easily and readily responded to
any increased demand for production
put upon it. Ten years ago. produc-
ton amounted to 269,1Si tons per an
mum. The peak of production was
reached in 1917 when the output
amounted to 669,57S tons. In 1919. ac-
cording to figures of the IT, S. Geo
logical Survey production had declin-
ed to 4S5.491 short tons. which, how
ever. is still considerably above the
pre-war rate. Indirectly the zinc re-
sources of this country have been
greatly increased by improvements in
the metallurgy of zinc Such develop
ment as electromagnetic and electro
static separation and oil notation have
made possible the profitable treat
ment of many complex ores that ordi-
narily would not be considered of com
mercial importance.
The United States has long been the
worlds chief zinc producing nation.
followed by Australia, Germany, and
Belgium. Before the war, Australia
and Germany closely operated in
the development of their zinc industry
Germany being Australia's greatest
foreign customer for zinc concentrates;
but. due to the permanent diversion Of
this source of supply. and the loss Of
part of the productive zinc area Of
Germany through a change in boun-
daries. the position Of that country
has been seriously altered
Provision was made last year by the
Australian Zinc Producers association
to enable the smelling works
there to run at capacity. and excess
will be allotted to French
and Belgian works. The effect of this
has not vet been felt be
cause of the unsettled Industrial con-
ditions in Australia. AS the mines and
works on that continent are
by English and Australian
capital. the domination of the Euro
pean zinc supply now rests in the
hands of the British Empire
The Belgian zinc industry is strug-
Cling under trying difficulties Restora-
lion to something like its former in
rmence is dependent on an adequate
supply of the raw material which log
cally should come from Australia. A
proper fuel supply presents another
iificult question. the answer 70 which
has not been forthcoming, the scarcity
md high price of coal creating ser
Gus predicament. The Belgian zinc
has much 20 surmount If IL
= to occupy the strong position it en-
Dyed a few years ago.
France is in much the same position
Is Belgium, but possesses a strong
rade organization or "consortium" to
assist in the development of the indus
ny against foreign competition. Al
hough the present high cost of fuel /
md lack Of raw material prevent in
,reasing production, the development (
# Frances industry through holdings |
n other lands. such as Spain. Algeria. |
runis. Mexico. and Peru will be ia
ilitated by this trade arrangement.
The latest complete figures from the !
department. of commerce indicate that
he United Kingdom is still consum-
ng the greatest quantity of zinc NOV
ng from the United States. although 4
france is also taking large quantities
Exports of Zinc From the United States
in Pounds.
Destination February March
rance .....................15.s4A45S 6.SO9. 900
tally ........................ .......... 500 O51