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311

(1914) [MARC] Author: Joseph Guinchard
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Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - VI. Mining and Metallurgical Industry. General Survey. By C. Sahlin - 3. Production of other Metals. By J. G. Petrén - 4. Measures for the Promotion of Mining. By Valfrid Petersson

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measures for the promotion of mining,

311

until latterly the sole process employed for the manufacture of zinc demanded
a great consumption of fuel, and Sweden is deficient in cheap fuel for this
purpose. Now, however, electric smelling furnaces have been successfully used
for the manufacture of zinc: in these furnaces the fuel is to a great extent
replaced by electric energy. This process, originally proposed by the swede de
Laval, has been adopted at the zinc works erected five years ago at
Trollhättan, the only zinc works that now exist in Sweden. For an account of these
works the reader is referred to the section: The Electrochemical Industry.

4. MEASURES FOR THE PROMOTION OF MINING.

Administration of Mining. Matters relating to Mining were formerly
managed by the Bergskollegium or Board of Mines, instituted in 1630. In
1858, this office was abolished and its business transferred to the
Kommerskollegium or Board of Trade (until 1900 under the Home
Department, but now under the Finance Department). After reorganization in
1891, one of the three bureaus into which the Board was divided was
reserved for mining matters as well as industry in general. With reference
to the Office of Mine Maps, which is under the same bureau, see p. 2(i2
Mining statistics since 1858 have been compiled by the Board of Trade;
the statistical methods have recently been reorganized, and yielded results
of far greater value and reliability.

•Jernkontoret (Iron Institute) or the Society of Ironmasters is an
institution peculiar to Sweden; its mission is to give financial support and
encouragement to the Swedish iron industry.

The actual founder of the "Jernkontoret" was A. Nordencrantz. The Society
founded by Royal charter of the 29th Dec. 1747, commenced its work in 1748.
At first it was under the supervision by the Secret Committee of the Riksdag,
but since 1769, it has possessed complete independence. The present
regulations date from the 26th Jan. 1894, with minor amendments of the 26th July
1901.

Most of the Swedish Iron works are part-owners in the "Jernkontoret", where
they have a vote; they pay annual contributions to the funds, amounting to
about 0’69 kronor per ton of originally registered iron. The Board consists of 10
members of which 5 form an executive committee. Each member is appointed
for three years at the general meeting of the Society, generally known as the
»Jemkontorsriksdag» or "Iron Parliament".

The main object of the "Jernkontoret" is to assist the members with loans on
favourable conditions. Especially during the first period of its existence, the
"Jernkontoret" sent considerable sums of money down to the big iron market at
Kristinehamn; and in times of depression the "Jernkontoret" itself purchased
iron from iron manufacturers, with the express purpose of keeping prices at a
"fair and equable level". It now restricts itself mainly to advancing working
capital, and making other loans for special purposes (e. g. for building loans, etc.).

But, as has been said, the "Jernkontoret" has another important mission, namely
the scientific and technical improvement of the Swedish iron industry.

For this purpose the "Jernkontoret" annually grants considerable sums for

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