corundum, ruby, sapphire, Burma.12, India.12, gems

Fermor reviews the mineral production of India during 1932, including Burma, through comparative statistics of output, value, trade, consumption, and mineral concessions. The report distinguishes commodities for which approximately reliable annual returns are available from those produced by dispersed small operations for which complete statistics cannot be obtained. It emphasizes that changes in recorded value do not necessarily reflect corresponding changes in physical production and explains the currency conversions used in comparisons. The total recorded value of mineral production declined from approximately £17.74 million in 1931 to £15.61 million in 1932, continuing the contraction of preceding years. Coal and petroleum remained major contributors, while manganese ore suffered an especially pronounced decline in value. Gold illustrates the importance of separating quantity from price: output fell slightly, but its value increased following the abandonment of the gold standard. The number of mineral concessions granted fell from 361 to 327, interpreted as evidence of reduced prospecting and private geological enterprise during the depression. Commodity accounts combine production and trade tables with notes on mines, operating conditions, and significant developments. Of particular gemological interest are the sections on diamonds, fei cui, ruby, sapphire, spinel, and several ornamental and industrial minerals. Central Indian diamond production increased from 639 to 1,254.1 carats, most of the latter output coming from Panna State. The account of Burmese fei cui records an increase in reported output but a substantial fall in its production valuation, while cautioning that incomplete returns make export statistics an important alternative measure of the industry. The discussion of Mogok traces the deterioration of organized mining and the cessation of the Burma Ruby Mines company’s operations. Local miners continued working, but reliable production returns were unavailable for 1932; selected notable ruby and sapphire discoveries are nevertheless recorded. Additional sections cover agate, amber, beryl, corundum, garnet, and other minerals. Extensive concluding tables list prospecting licences, mining leases, and quarry leases by region, mineral, and area, providing an administrative complement to the production survey.