Story: Mining and underground resources

Martha Hill mine

Martha Hill mine

Martha Hill is an opencast pit at Waihī. Gold and silver occur in narrow quartz veins, cutting across altered volcanic rocks. The ore is blasted, removed in dump trucks, and processed to remove the metals. The steps cut into the side of the pit (called benching) keep the walls stable and allow access to different levels.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan, 'Mining and underground resources - The mining industry', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9227/martha-hill-mine (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006