PERSONAL. 
utilization in Australia of 22,500 tons of sulphur annually, equivalent 
to the production of 255,000 tons of superphosphate, working in this 
regard in connexion with various superphosphate plants already estab- 
lished on the southern coasts of Australia. ces 
Apart from the direct value to the Commonwealth of Mr. Gepp’s 
visit to America three or four years ago, great strides have been taken 
towards making the British Empire self-contained in the production 
of one of its vital requirements. 
Mr. Gepp is a brilliant metallurgical chemist, an engineer of con- 
siderable attainments, and a leader of men. The huge plant at Risdon 
did not come into existence merely as the result of his scientific research. 
One difficulty after another presented itself when the erection of the 
plant was commenced, and it was due as much to his unwearying per- 
severance, his capacity for organization, and the confidence with which 
he was able to inspire those who were associated with him, that the 
various obstacles were overcome. In spite of the fact that some of the 
difficulties at first appeared insuperable, the plant was got going within 
nine months. 
Mr. Gepp is an Australian, having been born in Adelaide, 
and has been connected with the metal industries of Australia 
for the last twelve or thirteen years, when, at the age of 29, he went to 
Broken Hill as an officer of the Zine Corporation to erect an acid plant 
in connexion with their flotation process. Prior to this, he had held 
the position of manager of the Australian Explosives and Chemical 
Works, a responsibility which he had gained at the early age of 23. 
Commencing as a cadet upon leaving school in that company’s works, 
he also attended lectures in chemistry at the Melbourne University in 
his spare hours, studying under Professor Masson. Three years later, 
he was sent for further experience to Nobel’s Explosives, at Stevington, 
near Glasgow, where he studied the manufacture of high explosives, both 
for munition and commercial purposes, interesting himself particularly 
in the making of acids, and of gun-cotton, cordite, and various other 
propellants. His first duty upon his return to Victoria was the control 
of the erection of large extensions to the equipment at Deer Park, 
including plant for the manufacture of superphosphate and other 
fertilizers. 
Upon becoming associated with the Broken Hill interests, Mr. Gepp 
moved quickly from one important post to another. In 1907, he was 
offered, and accepted, the position of manager of the De Bavay Treat- 
ment Company, and was. for some time engaged in the development of 
the De Bavay process for the winning of sulphides from Broken Hill 
tailings. He retained the position of manager when later this company 
was extended and floated into the Amalgamated Zine De Bavay’s Limited. 
Under his supervision, the large flotation plant at Broken Hill for the 
treatment of tailings from various mines was carried out. | : 
Since the introduction of the flotation processes—of which the De 
Bavay is one—Broken Hill has been responsible for the production 
of between. 400,000 and 500,000 tons annually of zine concentrates, 
and a smaller proportion of lead concentrates. On full production, 
the plant of the Amalgamated Zinc Company has produced 150,000 tons 
annually of concentrates, treating up to 2,000 tons a day. © 
247 
