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Scientific Intelligence. 



6. On the Mines of Mineral Coal in Peru ; by M. E. de Rivero.* — The 

 works published on Peru scarcely make any mention of the Peruvian 

 Coal Mines. I propose to supply this deficiency of information, at least 

 in part, by some account of the beds which I have seen in the Cordillera, 

 some of which I have myself discovered. 



Along the Coast district, although coal occurs in some places, it has not 

 been found in mines of workable value. This remark applies to the isl- 

 and of San Lorenzo near Callao, and the district of Tumbes. Still, we 

 believe that a careful survey may yet bring to light beds of value which 

 will well repay the expense of exploration, since coal is so essential to 

 industry, and especially to the Peruvian steamers, which are now com- 

 pelled to import it from England at great expense. 



The discovery of the coal mines of Peru dates from the introduction 

 of steam engines which were established by the Company of Abadia in 

 1816 in the Cerro de Pasco, department of Junin. The first bed was 

 discovered by Hudille in the hill called Pancas, two leagues from Cerro. 

 At first it was not known what to do with the coal ; for charcoal and peat 

 were employed in their kitchens and forges, and for the distillation of 

 the silver amalgam. But afterwards, on its coming into use for engines, 

 it was gradually introduced for domestic purposes, the district affording 

 little wood ; and now there is only a single house in which a fire-place 

 is constructed for burning charcoal. The climate of the Cerro del Pasco, 

 a place situated 4,352 meters above the sea, is consequently more sup- 

 portable. 



The coal beds of Rancas have a north and south direction and a dip to 

 the west. They overlie shales and sandstones and are covered by the 

 same rocks. There are many flexures and faults, as in the coal regions of 

 Belgium and elsewhere. The principal bed is quite large ; the coal is ex- 

 cellent, giving much flame and little residue, and serving well in forges; 

 its structure is not as schistose as usual. 



Other beds have since been discovered. Two leagues from Cerro, in 

 the peak of Colquyilca, there are three coal beds of moderate thickness 

 and good quality. At the Quebrada of Fulluranca, on the road from 

 Huanuco, in the peaks of Puelles, Anaspuquio and Siricancha, near the 

 property belonging to Don Gaspar Sola, there are considerable beds which 

 are used for heating houses and also for the pella of silver. They occur 

 between sandstone and a limestone which contains galena. Not far dis- 

 tant, 1 have found a greenish fluor associated with the galena. 



In the direction of the silver mine of Vinchos, (a mine worked exten- 

 sively and with great profit),, on the ascent of the peak of Parc/as, at a 

 place called Curaopuero, there is a coal bed 15 varas (41*7 feet) thick. 

 The coal is but little bituminous, and it burns easily, leaving a white 

 slaty residue. The mine belongs to MM. Sanchez and Don Ricardo 

 Joch. 



Four leagues from this point, to the right, stands the peak of Picti- 

 chaca (a word signifying bridge.) at the foot of which there are the lakes 

 of Geguey and Boliehe. It contains the silver mines of Posario, belong- 

 ing to the lands of Jarria, and other mines which it is said have been ex- 

 plored by a Portuguese company. 



* Ann. des Mines, [5], vii, 1855, p. 459. 



