Open Day 2010

Planning for Open Day Sunday 17 January 2010 is well underway.

Many holiday-makers from near and far will be in the region over the summer holidays. Here is an opportunity not to be missed - a chance to set foot in a real live gold mine and get up close to some of those mighty mining machines that resemble tonka toys when seen from the viewing platforms.

The 2010 Open Day will be the ninth one held since 1994. The last two open days, in 2006 and 2008, each attracted around 10,000 visitors. Organisers of the 2010 event expect the numbers will be similar.

 

When the gates open to the public at Martha Mine at 10.00am on Sunday 17 January 2010 it will be the culmination of six months' planning. Vision Waihi Trust, GO Waihi, service clubs, community and volunteer organisations have all been hard at work alongside Newmont Waihi Gold staff planning and preparing for the day.

"It may look like it, but we don't just open the gate and let the public in," says Safety Manager Andy Schmidt. "There is a significant amount of work involved in providing the public safe access to an operating mine site."

Public safety is the foremost consideration. When mine staff are at work they are trained in what they do and must wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, hardhats and steel capped boots.

In preparation for open day, mine staff complete a Job Hazard Analysis for each location and activity.

Many adjustments are made so that the public can access mining equipment and areas on site.

For example, scaffolding steps will be erected around one of the huge dump trucks so that visitors, including young children, can get a look inside the cab. Macmahon staff prepare the mine trucks, diggers and plant for display by removing or disabling any knobs, levers or buttons - and putting them all back again afterwards. The mine needs to be back in production on Monday morning, so after the public has left all equipment must be checked and tested to make sure it is ready to go. NWG General Manager Glen Grindlay pays tribute to all the staff and contractors who volunteer their time and effort to make sure the day runs well.

"We couldn't hold this event without all the help we get. It's great to see everybody involved, and fantastic to know that we are all contributing to worthwhile community projects with the funds that are raised."

Funds raised from gate takings and activities within the mine site will be allocated to community projects by Vision Waihi Trust. This money does not go towards the expenses involved in staging the event. These expenses are covered by Newmont Waihi Gold.

 

The next NWG 'Update' will be published on Tuesday 29 December 2009.



Newmont Waihi Gold    
wishes everyone    
a safe and happy    
Christmas.    

Happy Holidays

If you are enjoying a break and looking for something to occupy your leisure time try one of these suggestions:

  • Waihi's Gold Story mine interpretation centre is downstairs at the Waihi Visitor Centre at the top of Seddon Street. It is open daily 9.00am to 5.00pm. There is no charge for entry.
  • The Pit Rim Walkway gives you a chance to take in some fantastic views and learn a bit more about gold mining in Waihi as you cycle/run/walk the pit-rimeter.
  • The Black Hill Walkway takes you on a ramble from the end of Clarke Street, alongside the Bridge to Bridge plantings on the Ohinemuri River banks and to the summit or around the base of Black Hill. Awesome views from the top!

 

  • Viewing platforms overlook the Martha open pit at the western side, on the north wall and beside the Cornish Pumphouse on the south wall. Open pit mine workers are on holiday from Saturday 19 December until Tuesday 5 January so there will be little or no mining activity to be seen during this time.
  • Vision Waihi Trust operates guided mine tours. The tours give an insight into the workings of the open pit as well as providing a taste of modern gold extraction methods and bullion production. The tours also give a brief overview of the future for gold mining in this region - underground 'keyhole' mining with a small surface footprint. The Favona underground mine portal (entrance) can be seen as part of the tour. For tour bookings contact the Waihi Visitor Centre in Seddon Street, bookings@waihi.co.nz or phone 07 863 9015.