David Arnold Thompson, O.B.E., died in London on 7th August, 1962, in his 79th year.
He was born at Albany, Western Australia, and in 1899 entered the service of Messrs. E. Graham Price and Co., Kalgoorlie, where he obtained practical experience in assaying, mill work and cyanidation. During the four years 1904 to 1908 he worked at the Red Hill gold mines at Lake Lefroy and at Lady Miller Leases, Norseman, Western Australia. He moved to Mexico in 1908 to join Peregrina Mining and Milling Co., Guanajuato. After the first few months in various capacities, Mr. Thompson was appointed mill and cyanide superintendent and held that post for four years. He left Mexico in 1913 owing to the unsettled conditions there and went to the Gold Coast in July of that year. He worked as chief metallurgist at Abosso gold mine from 1913 to 1917, and after a short period as relieving manager was made manager of Abosso Gold Mining Co., Ltd., in 1919, holding this post for nearly ten years.
In June, 1929, Mr. Thompson joined The African Manganese Co., Ltd., as mine manager. He remained in Ghana until 1944, when he came to London on his appointment to the board of directors of The African Manganese Co. and associated companies, of which he became chairman in 1952. He retired in 1955, after 26 years’ service. He was also chairman of Rhodesia Chrome Mines, Ltd., African Chrome Mines, Ltd., Minerals Research Syndicate, Ltd., the Chrome Co., Ltd., Baluchistan Chrome Co., Ltd., and Manganese Mines Management, Ltd.
Mr. Thompson was elected to Associate Membership of the Institution in 1913 and transferred to Membership in 1919. He had served as Overseas Member of Council for West Africa from 1937 to 1941, and was elected a Member of Council for the session 1946-47 and then served continuously on the Council of the Institution from 1950 to 1957.
The Chamber of Mines was one of Mr. Thompson’s most active interests during his time in the Gold Coast. He was a member for many years and President from 1935-36 to 1944-45.
He was awarded the O.B.E. (Civil Division) in 1944 for his services to the mining industry in the Gold Coast, particularly in connection with production of manganese ore for the war effort.
Vol. 72, Trans IMM 1962-63, p.216
