The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-05-21
MICA SHORTAGE ] TO BE INVERTED
New England Mine Oper-
 atOrs Take Initiative to l Increase Output

Boston, May 21. - To stimulate Idly becoming one of the country's most vital strategic minerals, 8 meeting of mica mine operators, owners of mica-bearing property, research technicians, and War Pro- auction Board experts will be con- vened May 28 at Canaan, New Hampshire, by the New England industrial Research Foundation in cooperation with the several New England state development commis- sions, state geologists, and the New England Council.
 Tt is of the utmost importance to our war effort that New England property owners, mine operators, and all those who have any k1lowl- edge of the industry cooperate to assure that every last ounce of this critical mineral be made available" pr. Lawrence w. Bass, director of the Foundation, said in announc- Ing the meeting. "Althougll output has already been tremendously inc creased, New England production must be stepped up many times nore If we are to get our new planes into the air and our new tanks rolling"
 Following visits to the active mica mines which center around Canaan, those attending the meet Ing will watch mica "rifting" oper- Ations at the Smith plant in the village of Canaan. A dinner served at Canaan Street Lodge will intro- duce the more formal part of the program.
 The War Production Boards Mica Branch of the Raw Materials Di- vision is collaborating actively in organizing the gathering. Raynon B. Ladoo of Washington, WIPE mica chief, will speak at the dinner md outline the nations mica needs. He will introduce George A. Purcell, president of the Colonial Mica Cor poration of New York, a private cor- poration financed by the govern nent to act for the Metals Reserve Corporation in speeding the discov- ery and production of domestic mica.
 Enlarging upon the extremely inn oortant role played by mica in the war production program, Dr. Bass declared that "until recently the nigh grade sheet mica so necessary 10 the production of radio equip nent, aviation and tank ignition oarts and other electrical uses has ,ome chiefly from India. With the greatly augmented demand and with Indian supplies largely cut off, the War Production Boards require- nents must be met in every 1n- creasing proportion from domestic ;ourees.
 "New England, particularly the Connecticut, are among the best tates of Maine, New Hampshire and potential producers of mica in this country.
 "In anticipation of the country's lrgent need, the several New Eng and states development commits ;ion0, state universities, and engi- aeering schools with departments of geology have already made prelim- mary surveys of New England mica &|CA4 AAAS A1Sdos | lAS lJuA POSS VI VAAAS meeting Is to bring together every pne with any knowledge of and ir1- ;erest in mica in the northeast region to pool information and stimulate still greater interest in mica production.
 "It is expected that the WIPE of- 'icials present will announce for the irst time the precise plans adopted oy the government to stimulate greatest output in the shortest possi- ole time.
 we invite everyone in any way concerned with this vital problem o attend the Canaan meeting"
 Further details may be secured rom the New England Industrial Research Foundation in Boston or he several state development com- missions.