Story: Coal and coal mining
Island Block is an isolated patch of coal measures on the ridge between Garvey Creek and the Waitahu River. It was discovered in 1944 by geologist Harold Wellman, who predicted that bituminous coal might be found there based on his regional studies of coal rank. A thick seam contains over 15 metres of high-quality bituminous coal, and it is mined by opencast methods. Since this photograph was taken in 1977, the mined area has expanded considerably.
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GNS Science
Reference: CN699a
Photograph by Lloyd Homer
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