File 1450/1919 ‘Mesopotamia & Kurdistan: Geological Reports on’ [‎108v] (231/522)

the mine). The return journey is somewhat shorter. In many places tiding is impossible, owing
to the difficulties of the country.
The mines are situated on the northern slope of’ a mountain spur, which runs from east to west.
In many places the coal crops out in large quantities and in massive formation. The rubble (lime
stone and red sandstones) amounts to from T5 to 2 metres in thickness, but the coal is exposed on
any area of 800 square metres. When working it, a strong smell of tar is noticeable , the coal
burns with a red flame, giving off a large quantity of smoke, and resembles the coal of Marsis.
On the watershed The boundary between adjacent drainage basins. between Besbin and Harbol, immediately on the road to Harbol, coal like
wise appears in limited quantities at two places.
CONDITIONS OF WORKMEN AND WAGES.
It is recommended that Harbol be eventually rehabilitated by labour troops, houses are still
standing. The village of Besbin can supply from 60 to 70 workmen whose payment varies be
tween 3 and 5 pts. When the undertaking is commenced, a large number of workers can be reckoned
upon from the surrounding villages.
At present an output of half ton per day per man is quite possible. Should it be shown by
borings that coal exists at a greater depth than 5 metres, an increase in output may be expected,
provided that work is carried out with modern appliances.
TRANSPORT CONDITIONS.
The Khabur is little suited to “ Kellek ” traffic during the dry season of the year; Transport
to this river {7\ hours) including supply of animals, amounts to 2 pts. per man load.
Direct transport to the Tigris via Jemada to Rishanyie is recommended, time nine hours. From
Harbol to Jemada is to be effected with pack animals, and subsequently with oxen from Jemada to
the Tigris by means of ox-carts or camels, later by a light railway, some 20 kilometres long. The
construction of a cable railway in the mountains is possible.
Rishanyie not shewn on any of our Maps.
In the case of all undertakings, it is essential that the roads be put in a good state of repair.
From Harbol, there is likewise a direct road to Jesiret (? Jezire-ibn-Omar) running via Besbin
(l| hours), Hassana and Schanch (? Shaikh).
No definite statements were obtainable respecting either the condition or distance of this route.
According to the mountain inhabitants, Harbol can be reached in about 8 hours from Sheranis
via Perach (unidentified), (3 hours), Kasragi (unidentified), (3 hours), and passage of the Hazil
River.
PETROLEUM SPRINGS AT BANIKE.
The springs are situated from three to four hours to the east of the village on the right bank of
the Banike Brook. The distance from Zakho or the Khabur River is 5 hours. Three springs
were counted which are distributed over an area of 250 square metres. The ground is everywhere
covered with hard coating of asphalt, from 5 to 10 cm. thick.
Hitherto, there has been no exploitation ; in any case it would hardly pay, since according to
statements of the inhabitants, the yield is only 30 Tenneke” per day, which I consider too high an
estimate.
(“ Tenneke” is a pail, used as a measure).
PETROLEUM SPRINGS AT ZAKHO.
There are two spring areas, lying close together on the right bank of the Khabur, li hours east
of Zakho.
Spring Area No 1 comprises two springs which lie in a valley, some 150 m. long and 180 m.
wide. The direction of the valley is south-east to north-west.
Spring Area No 2 is ten minutes distance from No. 1 and shows over 30 springs, some of
which have a large yield. It is likewise situated in a valley, some 600 m. long and 150 m. broad.
Nearly the whole surface of both valleys is covered with a crust of asphalt, 5 to 8 cm. thick-
Part of the petroleum is purified by the Kurds in a cauldron installation near the springs,
whereas the larger part goes to Zakho to be purified. Two cauldron installations are in use there.
The process takes 24 hours.
Each cauldron holds 16 “ Tenneke ” which after cleansing yield 8 “ Tenneke” of pure petrol
eum ; the residue consists of tar products, which are used for stoking the cauldrons.
According to the statement of the Town Administration the following quantities were hitherto
obtained :—
During the summer, 3 Cauldrons per day at 16 T = 48 T.
During the winter, 2 Cauldrons per day at 16 T = 32 T.
Both production and purifying are in the hands of a contractor. This method, however,, is not
recommended, as it is to the interest of the contractor to keep the daily yield secret.
Should the State or the Town Administration themselves take over the working, the undertak
ing would be profitable. In this case, a reliable overseer should be appointed at each spring area,
who by means of accurate measurement, would establish the yield per day and continue this proce
dure over a long period of time. For this purpose the springs should be taken in hand and cleans
ed, and the exact capacity of individual supplies measured. It is also recommended that the springs
be roofed over and enclosed in order to prevent the entry of surface water and fouling by intruders.

File 1450/1919 ‘Mesopotamia & Kurdistan: Geological Reports on’ [‎108v] (231/522)

Transcription

About this item

Copyright: How to use this content

File 1450/1919 ‘Mesopotamia & Kurdistan: Geological Reports on’ [‎108v] (231/522)

Transcription

About this item

Use and share this item

Copyright: How to use this content