Western Rehabilitation
Conceptual rehabilitation plans, drawn up in 2006, incorporated ideas for the western
side of the open pit. These ideas remain valid, although some of the detail may
vary as the designs are confirmed.
Western Layback - No Go
Geological and financial modelling on the feasibility of the western layback proposals is now complete.
The modelling results tell us that there is not enough gold present for the western layback to be economically viable.
The extensive consultation with residents and community organisations identified several issues about the proposal. Newmont Waihi Gold acknowledges these issues and recognises that there would have been work required to satisfactorily address them had the proposal proceeded.
Resource consent applications have not been lodged with the district and regional councils and there will be no moves to make applications to alter the Hauraki District Plan.
Geological and Economic Modelling
As expected, at the western end of the open pit the Martha and Welcome reefs taper out the further west they go.
More detailed geological data collected during investigations into the feasibility of the western layback indicate there is a slightly greater quantity of ore than first anticipated but the grades are lower than expected.
Originally geologists estimated a total of 1.1 million tonnes of ore in the western layback. Modelling confirmed this at 1.2 million tonnes.
The lower grades mean that overall there is approximately one third less gold than first thought.
With production costs rising at a greater rate than the price of gold, the western layback is not a viable economic prospect.
Eastern Pit Rim Walkway
Work has begun on the eastern walkway extension.
The path shown on the aerial photograph will connect the walkway at the top of the north wall (top right on the photo) of the open pit, near Cambridge Road, to an area near Roycroft Street (left on the photo).
It is anticipated that, weather permitting, this section of the walkway will open in the third quarter of 2008. This area is currently on private land and is not yet accessible to the public.
