109 



been mined; there has been a small development of the 

 copper ore; and platinum has been found in the gravels. 



The discovery of asbestos as a mineral of commercial 

 importance was made in this district in 1877, although it 

 was known for many years previously as a mineral of 

 prospective value. Mining operations began at Thetford, 

 Black Lake, and very shortly afterwards at Danville, and 

 have continued ever since. Since the introduction of a 

 successful method of mechanical concentration, about 

 1893-4, the production has increased regularly, until it 

 now has an annual value of about $3,000,000. Notwith- 

 standing this steady and increasing production, no well- 

 established mine has yet been worked out. Aside from 

 the abandoned pits incidental to early prospecting, the 

 only closed works are those of ill-judged enterprises that 

 probably ought never to have been begun. 



The production for the past ten years has been as 

 follows : — ■ 



Year. Tons. Value. 



1902 30,634 $1,161,970 



1903 29,261 916,970 



1904 35,479 1,186,795 



1905 48,960 1,476,450 



1906 62,375 2,143,653 



1907 61,985 2,455,919 



1908 65,156 2,551,596 



1909 63,349 2,284,587 



1910 100,430 3,403,358 



1911 100,893 2,922,062 



Various attempts to mine chrome iron ore in Quebec 

 were made between i860 and 1890, but it was not until 

 1894 that any considerable production was made. Be- 

 tween 1894 and 1908 over 40,000 tons of chromite were 

 mined, which had a value at the railway of about $600,000. 

 Since 1908 the industry has declined, till at present none 

 of the deposits are being worked. The development of 

 new ore bodies has not kept pace with the exhaustion of 

 those being worked. 



The following production during the last four yeras 

 of active work was as follows: — 



