West Coast Field Trip

Join the AusIMM New Zealand Student Chapter on a multi-day West Coast site visit to explore different stages of the mining lifecycle and gain firsthand industry experience.

About this event

The purpose of this event is to educate students about mining practices and the skills used throughout the industry by facilitating face-to-face engagement between students and mining companies on New Zealand’s West Coast.

To achieve this, the student group will visit Rua Gold to learn about mineral exploration, Echo Coal Mine to gain insight into an active mining operation, OGL’s Globe Progress site to explore mine rehabilitation and closure practices, and Blackwater and Waiuta to learn about the history and legacy of gold mining in the region.

Otago Pick-up and drop-off
Departure time - 7.00am sharp (Saturday 25 July 2026)
Departure and drop-off location - Otago University Geology Department, Building 360 Leith Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9054
Drop-off time - 6.00pm (Wednesday 28 July 2026)

Canterbury Pick-up and drop-off
Departure time - 12.30pm sharp (Saturday 25 July 2026)
Departure and drop-off location - Canterbury University Geology Department, UC Ilam Campus, 20 Kirkwood Avenue, Christchurch 8041
Drop-off time - 1.00pm (Tuesday 28 July 2026)

Program:
25 July - Otago and Canterbury students will travel from their respective university on 25 July leaving at the times stated above. 4.00pm - Arrival at accommodation (Dawsons Hotel 74 Broadway Reefton)
26 July - Site visit at Rua Gold Mine (morning). Site visit at Oceana Globe Progress Rehabilitation (afternoon).
27 July - Site visit at Echo Coal Mine. Site visit at old School of Mines in Reefton. Site visit at Historic Blackwater Mine in Waiuta.
28 July - Return to respective universities at the times stated above.