Waihi Gold Mining Company Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Normandy Mining Limited, operates the Martha gold mine, located in
the township of Waihi, New Zealand. The operation, an
unincorporated joint venture, comprises Normandy Mining Limited (67.070/0) and
Otter Gold Mines (32.94%).
Since gold was first discovered at Waihi in 1878, it has
formed a key part of the region's economy. In 1909 the Waihi mine was described
in a report to Parliament as the most important gold mine in Australasia and one of the greatest in the world.' That
was a record year for production, with 416,813 tons of ore mined and some 1,120
men employed.
Today the mine produces up to 1,250,000 tonnes of ore
annually, and the project employs some 234 men and women. In 1999 the value of
the gold and silver produced ($59 million) made up 47% of Waihi's estimated GDP.
Waihi Gold has made significant contributions to the Waihi economy, community
and the Hauraki region as a whole. Since the mine was re-opened in 1987,
thousands of local people have benefited from the mine. In 1999, consents were
granted allowing an extension to the mine life (the Extended Project) and this
will result in a further seven years of economic benefits resulting from mining
activity.
The Company has undertaken extensive consultation
throughout project planning, construction, operations and rehabilitation.
Ongoing liaison and involvement with all community sectors, including Tangata
Whenua and Iwi, local residents, recreational groups and schools remains an
integral part of the operation. Throughout the life of the modern Martha Mine,
the Company has actively supported the local community in the form of donations,
sponsorships, the provision of amenities, and by participating in community
events.
A well established environmental team exists at the
site. Environmental and community performance is measured by an independent
five-assessment process, and the Company is committed to achieving excellence
through ongoing improvement programmes and staff awareness.
When the mine is closed, the open pit area will be
transformed into a recreational lake, and the tailings storage facilities will
be rehabilitated to become a combination of wetlands, grassed areas and ponds.
Resources will be provided by the Mine to ensure the rehabilitated site remains
in a safe and self-sustaining, stable condition in perpetuity.
The
mine is regarded as a showcase on a world standard of how a modem mining
operation can successfully coexist with the nearby
community.