Mines and Mining. Gold, silver, copper, iron, coal, mica, graphite, and minor minerals are found in almost all the provinces, and alluvial gold exists in many places. About 500 mining concessions are granted by the Gov't each year; the tax is 1% of the gross output, and 50 sen for each 1000 tsubo of land. The new mining law of 1906 opened the country to foreigners. Among the best known of the gold properties are the six mines of the Wun-san group, in North Phyong-An, worked (by Americans) under a concession granted to the Oriental Consolidated Mining Co. in 1896. The veins run chiefly from N. to S. and are worked at deep levels by 75 Americans, 600 Chinese, 60 Japanese, and 2300 Korean (who make excellent miners). The annual yield is about £250,000. The gold placers of the Chiksan Mining Co. (American) are about 50 M. S. of Seoul, in South Chyung-Chyong. The Suan Mine (English) is in Hwang-Hai. Several hundred mines are being developed by foreigners of various nationalities, and others by Japanese. The country is believed to be as highly mineralized as Mexico.