§ Mr. Skeet asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what is the area of the ore body affected by the tungsten prospect at Hemerdom near Plymouth and the anticipated life of the mine;
§ (2) what are the reserves of tungsten ores in the EEC and the percentage thereof in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MacGregor:I understand that the Hemerdon ore body is 800 metres long and 120 metres wide, and that it is proposed to exploit this to an average depth of 230 metres. The mine is expected to have a life of at least 20 years. Its reserves are not yet proven but estimated potential United Kingdom reserves of tungsten metal in ores are about 64,000 tonnes. Proven reserves in other EEC countries are about 16,000 tonnes.