Where are gold deposits in New Zealand?
The principal New Zealand goldfields were Coromandel, Nelson/Marlborough, Central Otago and West Coast. The two main types of gold mine were: ‘hard rock’ quartz mines, and. alluvial mining which included panning and cradling, sluicing and dredging.
Where is the Martha Hill mine the biggest gold mine in NZ?
Waihi
Martha Hill Mine, Waihi At Waihi, at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, the Martha Hill Mine (named after prospector William Nicholl’s sister) produced more gold than any other in New Zealand history — 224,000 g of gold and 1,680,000 g of silver — until it closed in 1952.
Can you find gold with a satellite?
Because mining modifies the Earth’s surface differently than what occurs naturally, the radar can identify possible areas of illegal gold mining. When this data is combined with high-resolution satellite imagery, we can monitor areas deep within the Amazon forest remotely and in real-time.
Where can I find gold placer?
The most common places to find placer gold is on the river beds. Usually when a gold-bearing vain get exposed due to weathering of the top rocks and other forces of nature the gold in the vain doesn’t move far from the source.
How do I find abandoned mining claims?
Mining claims can be located on open public land administered by another federal agency (most commonly on Forest Service land). You may prospect and locate claims and sites on public and NFS land open to mineral entry.
How many abandoned mines are there?
There are approximately 500,000 abandoned hardrock mines in the United States, with an estimated cleanup cost as high as $54 billion.
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 |
Where can I find gold in rivers NZ?
In Otago (and Marlborough) gold is found in quartz veins in schist and in river gravels which have weathered from schist. On the West Coast and at Golden Bay, gold is found in older Paleozoic greywacke and argillite rocks in faulted areas called shear zones.
Is Waihi mine still active?
This project is currently being developed and we expect a mine life of at least 10 years. The Martha Underground workings will be accessed from the existing Favona portal….Waihi Operation.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Type | Underground and open pit |
| 2021 production guidance | 35,000 – 45,000 oz gold |
| Proven and Probable Reserves | 0.62 Moz |
How deep is the Waihi mine?
600 metres
Mineralisation extends 1600 metres along strike, up to 500 metres wide, and mined to a depth of 600 metres. The Martha deposit is a low sulphidation adularia-sericite epithermal quartz vein system, associated with north-east trending faults.
What’s on the New Zealand mining map?
The New Zealand Mining Map features information on coal, hard rock and alluvial gold mines and projects, ironsand mines and projects, as well as phosphate, garnet, ilmenite and tungsten projects. The detailed map is a large 1.2m x 0.83m poster and provides a clear, insightful picture of the country’s mining and mineral permitting activity.
Where can I look for gold in New Zealand?
In gold fossicking areas, anyone is free to look for gold as long as you use non-motorised machinery and hand tools. There are 19 areas in the South Island that have been set aside for gold fossicking and gold panning in Nelson-Marlborough, the West Coast and South and Central Otago.
What is the geology of New Zealand’s goldfields?
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. On the West Coast and at Golden Bay, gold is found in older Paleozoic greywacke and argillite rocks in faulted areas called shear zones.
Do you need a permit to mine gold in New Zealand?
Gold mining normally requires a permit from NZP&M, however 19 areas in historic South Island gold mining regions have been set aside – in Nelson-Marlborough, the West Coast and South and Central Otago – where you can freely enjoy recreational gold mining without the need for a permit.