Drill Bits
In the Update of May 29 we detailed the many different exploration techniques and how each is used in different situations to help firm up data, increase levels of confidence and 'build a picture' of rock composition and potential mineralisation. This Update also reported that Newmont Waihi Gold is continuing to explore areas around the Martha open pit and is following the Martha vein system that runs east to west.
The last Update (June 12) showed an aerial photograph with the known veins of mineralisation superimposed. These veins extend beyond the current western pit perimeter.
The same photograph can be seen below with the veins shown in black and the approximate proposed locations of drill rigs shown as white dots.
Several holes may be drilled from each location. The rigs do not drill straight down, but attempt to intersect areas of interest at an angle and so add to the 'picture' of the rock types and composition gained from other drilling and exploration techniques.
It is likely that the locations closest to the open pit will be drilled first, ending with the two locations on the west of Moresby Avenue in September. Up to three drill rigs may be in operation at any one time.
As previously advised, when the Exploration Department positions a rig on a suitably open piece of ground with good access the External Affairs Department will conduct tours for interested members of the public.
Left: In this aerial photograph of the western perimeter of the Martha open pit vein systems of interest are shown in black and the approximate proposed locations of drill rigs shown as white dots.
The Newmont Waihi Gold freephone is attended 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
0800 NEWMONT
(0800 639 6668)
The unofficial official opening.
We're nearly there. The pumphouse and grounds are all ready, the grass is starting to green up, we are just waiting for the paperwork and then the area will be open to the public.
In the meantime Waihi schools were invited to come and have a look. Waihi Central School juniors, accompanied by staff, parents and Newmont helpers were the first visitors, and even stayed for lunch. Their verdict: It's really big and really old, and really cool'. It's been a while since most of us have done anything that children regard as 'really cool' so we are pretty pleased with that.
We were also pleased with the way the site stood up to the enthusiastic attention of 110 five to seven year-olds. Best comment from the visit: 'I didn't there was anything older than my Nana'.
Wet weather later in the week postponed other schools' visits, which have been rescheduled.
Very soon you will be able to check out for yourself just how 'cool' the pumphouse and grounds are. We'll let you know as soon as the paperwork's signed and the gates are finally opened.
Left: Really cool. Juniors from Waihi Central School sit on the slider beams in front of the pumphouse at the first unofficial official visit. Above and behind them are recently installed railings, part of the site development required to open the area to the public.
Right: Waihi Central School juniors were also the first members of the public to 'officially' eat their lunch at the relocated pumphouse. They think that in warmer weather this should be a great spot for lunch and would be a neat playground too.
Pumphouse on air
Consulting archaeologist Ray Hooker was back on site last week, but without his trademark trowel in his hand. After spending the best part of six months investigating possible pumphouse locations and transportation routes, and the areas in and around the building itself, Ray probably thought he had finished.
Last week he returned to site to explain to Radio New Zealand reporter Dr. Sapna Samant what was involved in the archaeological assessments, the material he found along the way, and the research that is continuing.
Newmont Waihi Gold provided video extracts of the archaeological investigations and the pumphouse move. Radio with pictures? Not really. The audio tracks from the video will be used by Dr. Samant to help create the 20-minute piece that will air on Radio New Zealand's Spectrum programme in July.
February 2006: Ray Hooker excavates a bottle dump on the proposed pumphouse route. He will discuss his findings on the Spectrum programme scheduled to air in July.
June 2007: Look how far we've come. Dr. Sapna Samant interviews archaeologist Ray Hooker on the original site of the Cornish Pumphouse. Later in the mine work programme the haul road on which they are standing will be lowered and Ray will return to complete his investigation of the remaining pumphouse foundations that still exist below the surface.
