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NZ mining: case studies

Managing environmental effects

The following case studies document work done by mining companies in New Zealand to deliver on commitments to environmental responsibility.

OceanaGold Limited: Globe Progress

OceanaGold's Globe Progress mine is located in Victoria Conservation Park, near Reefton, West Coast, New Zealand. Most of the site is on old gold workings. Flanking the open pit is regenerating native beech forest.

 

Thousands of native beech seedlings are planted every year concurrently with mining at Globe Progress. Over time the site will revert to regenerating beech forest, the same ecosystem as much of the habitat disturbed by the mine.

 OceanaGold Limited: Macraes

The Macraes opencast gold mine covers some 1000 ha on private farmland in East Otago. Around half the site is being worked for gold at any one time, with rehabiliation occurring on the remainder of the site.

Areas where mining has been completed are being returned into pasture.

Eventually the Macraes site will return to a working farm.

 

Newmont Waihi Gold: Martha mine

The township of Waihi (pop. 4700) has build around Newmont's Martha mine. The tailings dams are visible towards the top of the photo.

 

As the embankments of the tailings dams are built with waste rock from the open pit, pasture is sown and native trees planted. Some 350,000 native seedlings have been planted to date. Much of this area will return to farmland. Water is treated and recycled. The dams self seal to prevent acid drainage. Newmont Waihi Gold has contingency plans to deal with storm or heavy rain events, and has bonds and insurances in place. The company set up a trust to manage the sites long after the mine has closed.

 

Newmont Waihi Gold has planted some 350,000 native trees and shrubs as part of its rehabilitation programme at the Martha mine. Much of this work contributes to riparian conservation.

 

Grey River gold dredge

Pictured is the largest gold dredge in New Zealand and one of the largest in the world. this is one of a number of dredges working alluvial gold on the West Coast of New Zealand.

 

Pasture for daiying is being formed on areas worked by the Grey River gold dredge (top left of photo). The quality of farmland is being improved.