Mining: the life blood of the West Coast’s economy

The future of West Coast mining in these modern times

Pounamu continues to be prized by Maori in particular, and New Zealanders in general, also attracting a great deal of interest from international tourists.

Greenstone is now often sourced by gold miners while removing overburden and working through tailings. With regard to coal, the West Coast’s product is regarded as the “caviar of coals”, and the region’s coking coal is sought after worldwide for steel production. The top three destinations for West Coast coking coal are now India, Japan and Australia. Oceana Gold’s Globe Progress mine near Reefton finished mining in 2015, and finished processing in 2016. It now leads the industry in restoration, and serves as an example of how mining on conservation land can be done responsibly. At present, gold production on the Coast is carried out by small to middle sized operators. Gold prices are high, and there’s no shortage of opportunity.

Here’s an example of just one West Coast alluvial gold operation:

Mining: the life blood of the West Coast’s economy

Future prospects

With high demand for steel, coking coal will continue to be in demand internationally.

In the midterm, thermal coal will continue play a role in warming New Zealand’s schools and hospitals, keeping the lights on, and underpinning the competitiveness of our food producers against food imports and on the export market for dairy, meat, fish, and fresh produce.

Gold has been a prized resource for thousands of years. Historically used as currency and in jewellery, it is now also used for dentistry, conduction, electronics, medicine, and aeronautics. As the world faces climate change and countries transition to low carbon energy, demand for fossil fuels will drop and the need for other minerals will skyrocket.

​A low carbon economy needs wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, and electric cars.

Many minerals will be needed. Of those, rare earths, copper, nickel, lead, lithium, and zinc have been identified by GNS Science as being found on the West Coast. Whether payable quantities can be extracted will depend on market conditions and technology at the time.

Mining’s history in the region is due to pioneering, adaptation, and innovation, and that will certainly be the case in the future.

Mining: the life blood of the West Coast’s economy

Minerals and mining are in my blood

by Stuart Henley – exploration geologist

Minerals and mining are in my blood!

My father’s grandparents arrived in the Buller during the 1860s gold rushes. My maternal grandfather was a Scottish coal miner who came to Westport in the early 1900s.

As a small child, I listened to stories of coal and gold mining, and eagerly examined the gold-speckled pieces of quartz from the Red Queen mine in the Mōkihinui valley. During visits to my grandparent’s place at Seddonville, I developed a real affinity with the bush and mountains of the West Coast.

When I was at Buller High School, the coal industry was in decline, and the future looked bleak for mining. I started at Canterbury University with the idea of becoming a mapmaker. Influenced by lectures by Max Gage about mining and coal exploration, I found geology far more interesting. For a few years I worked for the Ministry of Works in Westport, and then secured a position with State Coal Mines. In 1987 Coal Corp (later named Solid Energy) was created, and after a few teething problems, coal mining really took off.

In the last 25 years I have been involved with coal exploration and mine development in the Buller, Greymouth and Reefton coalfields. Much of the exploration has been in remote, mountainous terrain, and reading about the endeavours of the early coal prospectors and coal miners has always been inspiring. Fifty or more years ago, the transport of exploration drilling rigs required great effort, whereas today helicopters complete this in a few hours. Rehabilitation, something unheard of 30 years ago, is now an integral part of mine planning.

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Westport has been my home, and a large portion of my life has been spent in the mountains between Greymouth and Karamea.

Mineral exploration, tramping and caving are outdoor activities I have enjoyed in this area, and the great variety of rock types, landforms and ecology make the northern West Coast a special place for me to live in.

Caption: Stuart Henley is an exploration geologist, based in Westport. He has worked in all the coalfields on the West Coast. He is shown here examining drill core from the Buller coalfield.

Waiuta – gold mining town

Last week we profiled Waiuta, a once bustling gold mine town and this week we give you the opportunity to experience this wonderful location for yourself.

You will be staying at the Ikamatua Hotel which offers you another genuine West Coast experience!  The hotel is central to Waiuta and Reefton, about 15 minutes from each town, and we suggest you allow one day each to explore these unique West Coast locations.

The Coaster’s Pass consists of:

• Two nights accommodation for two in the Ikamatua Hotel
• Breakfast and evening meal for two on both nights of your stay

The cost of this week’s Coaster’s Pass at the Ikamatua Hotel is $390 and this covers both of you. Take a trip to the wild side Coasters.

Purchase your Pass here

• The Coasters Pass is only available over a 24 hour period between 5.00pm each Tuesday through to 5.00pm on Wednesday.
• There are a limited number of passes on offer each week so it is first come, first served.
• The Coasters Pass can be used at any time within 90 days of purchase. It’s an individual transferable pass.
• Once the booking dates for accommodation, attractions and restaurants are confirmed they can’t be changed
  

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Making the most of Waiuta

First up , have a wander through your accommodation, the Ikamatua hotel:

Then wind your way down through history and the setting of Waiuta:

Check out the Waiuta barber’s shop – too late for a haircut but great to stand in a spot where time has stood still:

There is no truer story than a local’s story. Meet a couple of locals:

The old mine shaft has been preserved as a reminder of the once-bustling activity that characterized Waiuta.

Coast characters

Stan Dawson

Meet Stan Dawson, another of the characters that give the Coast a good name!

Coast characters

Shirley Jones

Meet Shirley Jones a Coaster.

10 children, 38 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren and another due in December.

In 9 years, God willing, Shirley will receive her letter from the Queen (or King).

The former unofficial Mayoress of Jonesville (AKA) Kaniere, Shirley is a vibrant lady with a wonderful sense of humour. She is now residing at Ultimate Care Allen Bryant which is the only aged care facility in the area and provides both rest home and hospital facilities. Shirley tells me she is treated like the Queen!

Off the beaten track

Shantytown Heritage Park

Shantytown is a recreated 19th century pioneer town made up of over 30 pioneer buildings.

It has become a leading culture and heritage attraction on the Coast and is located just 13 kms from Greymouth.

Take a look at Shanty Town’s Free Masons hall:

Off the beaten track

Shantytown continued…

St Patrick’s Church in Shanty Town is a place of solitude and reflection:

The Marsden Valley School will bring back memories of how the classroom once was:

Gold panning, there’s gold in them there hills for sure:

Williams Hotels: West Coast hospitality and then some!

The business is 100% New Zealand owned and operated and looks to integrate kiwi style with international standards.

Tony Williams is the current owner and managing director and has over 30 years of experience in hospitality. Tony is supported by his sons who hold both domestic and international, commercial and finance experience. Tony is also supported by a staff of 150 who work tirelessly to deliver a warm and personal stay.

We get to chat with Mark Williams, one of the family that owns and manages the Ashley Hotels in Greymouth and Christchurch, The Punakaiki Resort, The Oakridge Resort in Wanaka and The Towers in Christchurch. He talks with Bruce Smith about the rise in ‘local tourism’ and the special 15% discounted rates on offer at Williams Hotels.