Manuscript 'expert's Report of the Malacate Mines' in Mexico by metallurgist Edward Halse, ARSM, MIMM, prepared for Messrs Bourke, Sandys & Co, London, with three Typed Letters Signed from the firm, to R. Hanrott (2), and Hon. M. E. M. Sandys.

Halse's report, to Messrs Bourke, Sandys & Co., London, is headed 'Malacate'. 16pp., 8vo. Neatly written out, with marginal chapter headings, beginning: 'Situation of Mines', 'Roads', 'Freight Rates', 'Mining Claims', 'Timber and Water', 'History of the Property and Titles'. Halse begins his report: 'Gentlemen, | Acting on your instructions I have made a careful examination of the Malacate Property, and I now beg to tender you my Report thereon: - | The Malacate Mines are situated in the State of Mexico, about four miles west of the town of Sultepec.' A long section headed 'The Malacate Mines' describes the results of 'a careful examination of the Chief Lodes & workings'. It is followed by a discussion of the financial position. Halse concludes: 'I regard the Malacate property as a very valuable one. Although it must be regarded as a low grade smelting Scheme the ores are abundant and can be mined, milled and smelted very cheaply and they are of such grade as to leave an ample margin for profitable working. | I believe that the proposed Capital of £12,000 is more than sufficient for mounting and working the mines on the scale indicated. | In my opinion the property has a great future before it, the lodes are numerous and masterly and are capable of yielding a much larger out put than is at present called for | I am, Gentlemen, | Yours faithfully, | Edward Halse. A.R.S.M. | M. Inst. M.M. &c.' Two full-page appendices follow, the first giving 'Prices of Articles delivered at Malacate (as per Mr. Rock) March 1893', and the second 'Estimated Result to be expected from Mining Milling & Smelting the Ore with an Output of 60 tons per day allowing 12 per cent loss in Concentration &c., and 5 per cent loss in smelting.' The three Typed Letters Signed are all on letterheads of Bourke, Sandys & Co., 7 Austin Friars, London. The first two letters are both 1p., 4to, both dated 10 August 1895, and both stamped at the head 'THE MALACATE SYNDICATE, LIMITED'. The first, to 'Hon. M. E. M. Sandys, concerns '250 shares in the Malacate Syndicate Limited', the second, from Sandys to '- Hanrott Esq.' also concerns the shares. The third letter, 1p., 12mo, from the firm to R. Hanrott, is a covering letter for the report, reading: 're Malacate Syndicate | We enclose a copy of expert's report of the Malacate Mines for your guidance. | The syndicate was formed for the purpose of advancing £12000 to the owner of the mine, which was to be repaid with 100% bonus and other advantages in a certain time. The first payment will be at the end of this month. The Owner of the mine is now on his way to England & may be here in a few days.' El Malacate is now owned by the Vancouver-based exploration firm Minefinders, who began drilling for gold in the area in 2001.