78 On the Mineral resources, fyc. of Northern Afghanistan. [No. 109. 



In the ravine of Jerobaee there is a ferruginous looking vein, containing vitreous ore, and also grey 

 copper, the latter has a large proportion of iron, and is found about 5 or 6 yards apart from the 

 former. On the opposite side of the ravine I found indications of the metal also, and beyond this in 

 the same line, I found similar indications in a small ravine adjoining, and believe these to be all one 

 and the same deposit connected underneath. The strike of the strata here is N. E. and S. W., all 

 highly inclined. About 300 yards to the N. W. of these localities is another out-crop of copper ore, 

 with a good deal of the same ferruginous appearance ; this seems to bend towards the others, 

 running nearly East and West, but is a distinct deposit in my opinion, and unconnected with them ; 

 these veins are all found in hornblende. 



During my survey of Dobundee, I observed several rolled masses of a dark coloured iron ore 

 brought down by the river. This ore yielded a blackish streak, and affected the magnet, but did 

 not attract iron filings. What I observed was evidently derived from the surface of a bed of iron ore. 

 In the Chenar ravine, about a couple of hundred yards from the vein of grey copper, which I have 

 described, I obtained a few fragments of magnetic iron ore which powerfully attracted the filings, but 

 saw no trace of a regular deposit in that quarter. These facts, however, render it not improbable 

 that a bed of magnetic iron ore may exist in the neighbourhood ; having not yet completed my exa- 

 mination of that part of the district, I regret I cannot speak decidedly on this subject. 



Extent of the District, fyc. — With regard to the extent of this mineral tract, Tezeen is the 

 furthest point to the Eastward, where I have found copper ore, and specimens of copper pyrites 

 have been brought me from Wurduk to the Westward. Specimens of purple ore have been sent 

 me from Spega to the South, and I have traced the metal as far North as the hills about Cabool. 



The most promising veins I have discovered are those of Derbund and Dobundee, — of the old 

 mines, Koh i Aeenuk holds out the best prospects. I have reason to believe that more veins equally, 

 if not more favorable, may yet be found, when every rock is sufficiently investigated. A perfect 

 examination of this kind, is of great importance, for the two-fold object of showing the external signs 

 of the productiveness of the strata, and guiding the miner at once to the most desirable points for 

 experimental operations. From the number of natives I have been employing to search for me 

 throughout the district, and who well understand now what is wanted, I feel confident that if this 

 plan were continued for a short time longer, not a spot would remain unexplored. Specimens have 

 been lately brought me from new veins in Derbund, as well as from Rojan, and Sungdurra on the 

 southern side of Koh i Kubeer, the most elevated of the mountains in that quarter of the country. 



In my former Report, I mentioned that I had discovered the richer varieties of copper ore, 

 namely the purple and vitreous sulphurets, the former containing 60 per cent of metal, and the 

 latter about 80 — I have now the satisfaction of adding to these the red oxide containing 90 per 

 cent, and native copper. As far as the character of the ore is concerned then, it is of the first 

 quality. Of course what I allude to is the pure mineral unadulterated by the matrix. What the ore 

 in mass will produce should the mines be opened, can only be determined when that takes place ; 

 but it will I think, yield about the same as the Chilian, namely, between 20 and 30 per cent. The 

 average of the ore of Cornwall is between 8 and 9 per cent, and, as I stated in the Report alluded to, 

 it is this difference in the quality of the ore, that enables the Copiapo Mining Company to dispose of 

 their ore in England at a profit, notwithstanding the vast distance of transport. The ore is brought 

 down on the backs of mules from the heights of the Cordilleras to the seaport for £3 per ton, 

 shipped from thence to Swansea in Wales for £5 per ton, when it is finally smelted, and the produce 

 exported abundantly (no doubt to India) as English copper. 



Mineral Prospects of the District. — In respect to the capabilities of this mineral district no one can 

 take upon himself to form an estimate of what is underneath the surface, until practical trials are 

 made, but, if we base our calculations on the most reasonable probabilities, there is every expecta- 

 tion that these trials will prove eminently successful. 



By the foregoing^details it is apparent, in the first place, from the number of veins and indications 

 of them which have been discovered, that the whole of the strata are highly metalliferous. 

 Secondly, the quality of the ore is excellent, and the richest varieties are to be found. 



