The mineral industry of the British Commonwealth and foreign countries : statistical summary (production, imports and exports) 1941-1947

Before the war the Statistical Summary was published annually covering statistics of mineral production and trade for the previous three years. Publication of this work was inevitably withheld during the war period, but was resumed in 1948 when it was decided to cover the 7-year period 1938 to 1944. The present volume retains this format and covers the years 1941 to 1947. It has not been possible to give complete information for some countries, including those of eastern Europe, but in order that world totals may be arrived at, estimates for such countries have been attempted. In the sections on copper, lead and zinc, tables are given showing production of both ore and metal. The ore tables give the estimated metal content of ore produced. In some cases this figure has been obtained by the use of an average assay value, in others it represents the amount of metal actually recoverable. The ore is not necessarily smelted in the country of origin. It follows, therefore, that in the metal table, the metal production for a particular country may be derived from both domestic and imported ores. Secondary metal is excluded as far as possible, but where important is shown as a footnote to the producing country. Except where otherwise stated the trade figures are intended to represent imports for home consumption and exports of domestic produce. In some cases, however, a certain amount of "nationalised" goods is included, namely goods originally imported, but which, if dutiable, have been charged with duty and subsequently re-exported. Where re-exports are not available, an indication to this effect is made by a footnote "total imports". Goods imported for "improvement" and re-exports after" improvement" are also generally included. Statistics for India relate to the sea-borne trade only, except where otherwise stated. With effect from the 1st and 15th August, 1947, respectively, the direct foreign trade of the Pakistan provinces of Sind and East Bengal is excluded, as also is the sea-borne trade of India with Pakistan. Separate trade statistics are not yet available for Pakistan. Trade statistics for Malaya relate to the Colony of Singapore (excluding Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands) and the Federation of Malaya. Trade between the two colonies is not included. Production statistics relate to the Federation of Malaya only. The units of quantity adopted are the cwt. of 112lb. (avdp.); ton of 2,240 lb. (avdp.); imperial gallon and metric carat. For precious metals the troy ounce of 480 grains is used.