Who owns the Waihi gold mine?
OceanaGold
The Martha Mine is a gold mine in the New Zealand town of Waihi. Since July 2015 it has been owned by Australian-based OceanaGold.
Why mining in Waihi is an issue?
Critics say underground mining in Waihi creates noise and vibrations that disturb the residents, could leave legacy problems, and devalues their properties. Previous operators of the mine, Newmont, have perviously agreed to make payments to residents for noise, dust and vibrations.
How big is the Waihi gold mine?
Mineralisation extends 1600 metres along strike, up to 500 metres wide, and mined to a depth of 600 metres.
How do people use the Waihi area?
With a population of about 4,700 people, the town of Waihi is situated on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The surrounding area supports horticulture and dairy farming. Waihi is an important service centre for these activities, as well as playing an increasing role in tourism.
Are there gold mines in New Zealand?
New Zealand has three main goldfields and each has its own geology. In Otago (and Marlborough) gold is found in quartz veins in schist and in river gravels which have weathered from schist. Although gold has never been mined there, it occurs in the Taupō Volcanic Zone in geothermal deposits. …
How deep is the Martha mine?
The Martha Mine Seven vertical shafts had been sunk for the underground Martha Mine; the deepest was 600 metres from the surface. Radiating from the shafts was a network of 175 kilometres of tunnels on 15 horizontal levels.
Where can I find gold in creeks NZ?
Designated public areas where you can fossick for gold
| Gold fossicking area | Permit number | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aorere River A (GFA 13) | 42013 | Nelson/Tasman – Kahurangi National Park |
| Lower Louis Creek | 55529 | Nelson/Tasman – Glenhope Scenic Reserve |
| Jones Creek (GFA 4) | 42004 | West Coast – Ross area |
| Jones Creek (GFA 5) | 42005 | West Coast – Ross area |
How old is Waihi?
Waihī began as a shanty town around a store and a hotel in the 1880s. When the invention of the cyanide process made mining profitable from 1889, the town boomed. Waihī housed a thriving electronics industry for half a century after a small radio-manufacturing and repair service opened in 1932.