British 33 Somaliland] MINERALS the Somali hinterland are Archaean gneiss, schists, and granites, but, notwithstanding their resemblance to those of Egypt, they do not, so far as is known, furnish auriferous deposits. Recent expeditions into the interior of Italian Somaliland , such as those of Bric chetti and Robecchi, make no reference to modern gold -washings or even to gold occurrences . It is true that alluvial gold has been found in British Somaliland ; but on the whole it seems unlikely that the country possesses any rich deposits of the mineral.

Oil. — The existence of mineral oil in the Pro tectorate has been investigated by the Colonial Office, whose expert reported that oil had been found about 28 miles south of Berbera. His report was considered to justify preliminary borings on a considerable scale.

Salt.It is stated that the salt-pans which exist behind the town of Karam can be worked at a profit. The exact commercial prospects of the undertaking are, however, not ascertainable at present. Samples of salt from various parts of Somaliland have been submitted to the Imperial Institute for examination . It was reported that refined salt of good quality could be obtained therefrom .

Lithographic stone is found at Eilo, and apparently elsewhere also ; limestone is widely distributed ; gypsum is found at Kirrit and many other places ; lead, silver, cinnabar, and talc are reported from the Warsangeli country. Natural hot springs are known to exist in various places, but their waters have not been analysed.

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