BOOKS IN REVIEW (September 02, 1991)

Rocks and Minerals for the Collector: Sudbury to Winnipeg, by Ann Sabina. Published by Geological Survey of Canada. 601 Booth St. Ottawa K1A 0E8.

This handy guide depicts the occurrences of minerals, rocks and fossils from Sudbury, Ont., to Winnipeg, Man.

“The collecting routes parallel the water routes from Lake Huron to Winnipeg which were used by the voyageurs and early explorers and miners,” writes author Ann Sabina. “Each mine, from the earliest to the most recent, contributes its record to the mining history of the region.”

The Register, 1991/2, edited by Ross Louthean. Available at Duval Minecom, 501-675 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C, V6B 1N2. 484 pages. $238 or US$210.

Dramatic changes have taken place in Australia’s resource sector in recent years, and a thought-provoking and current overview of these developments provides for an interesting introduction to the newly released, 1991/92 edition of Register of Australian Mining.

Dubbed “the bible” of the Australian mining and petroleum sectors, The Register encompasses complete, up-to-date coverage of all minerals and hydrocarbon deposits in Australia, from major discoveries to production areas. This includes gold, nickel, copper, lead-zinc-silver, iron ore, oil and gas, and less publicized minerals such as rare earths, phosphate and vanadium.

This edition includes details of ownership, management, geology, reserves, production and relevant comments on the state of development. But The Register also provides overviews on all major commodities, and a general industry overview by editor Ross Louthean. This year’s hard-hitting editorial review criticizes government policies on resource development in face of the recession which currently grips the nation.

A marked drop in exploration was noted, which was attributed to a share-market malaise, the foreshadowing of a gold tax, negating of access through national park moves and aboriginal land claims, and other government deterrents to exploration.

The Nevada Mineral Industry — 1990. Published by Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. University of Nevada, Reno, Nev. 89557-0088. US$6 (postage included). 55 pages.

This booklet reports on the mineral, petroleum and geothermal activities in Nevada and provides a list of mines, mills and geothermal plants.