Because of the fact that the greatest zinc smelting centres of the world outside of the United States are located in the war zone of Europe, the effect of the war on the spelter market has been most pronounced. The European smelters have either been forced to suspend operations or, if able to operate, their product has not been able to reach the outside world. Owing to this, both the zinc smelting and the zinc mining industries of the United States have enjoyed a year of unparalleled prosperity in 1915. According to the latest information, the recoverable zinc content of zinc ores mined in the United States in 1915 was over 560,000 short tons, compared with 407,000 tons in 1914 and 418,000 tons in 1913. With a continuance of high prices of spelter during 1916, the output will be greatly augmented, for the very high prices did not begin until April and May, and it was naturally some time before additional zinc mining could get under way. 12 p.