Die neue Martha Mine Neben den Abbauaktivitäten kann das Bergwerk auch von Besuchern besichtigt werden. 1999 wurde dazu das Martha Mine-Bildungszentrum eröffnet. Rund 12.000 Besucher werden jährlich durch die Anlagen geführt. Die Martha Mine (Mine Martha) ist Neuseelands größte Gold- und Silber-Mine und befindet sich bei der Stadt Waihi, am südlichen Ende der Coromandel Peninsula auf der Nordinsel Neuseelands. Die Mine Martha zeigt die wechselvolle Geschichte des Goldabbaus in Neuseeland

The Waihi Gold Mine is a historic and active gold mine located in Waihi, a small town on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. It is one of the oldest and most famous gold mines in New Zealand, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The mine is still in operation today, continuing to extract gold while also being a significant tourist attraction.

Key Highlights of the Waihi Gold Mine:

1. Historical Significance:

• The Waihi Gold Mine has a long history of gold mining, with the discovery of gold in the area in the 1870s leading to the town's establishment. Over the years, the mine has produced a significant amount of gold, contributing greatly to New Zealand's economy.
• Waihi became one of the country's leading gold-mining towns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the area saw multiple periods of boom and bust.
• The mine was also involved in several historical events, including labor strikes, the rise of mining unions, and the social and economic changes the town experienced over the years.

2. Current Operations:

• The Waihi Gold Mine is still an active mine that operates as part of OceanaGold Corporation. It consists of both an open-pit mine and underground mining operations, which continue to extract gold from the area.
• Modern-day mining at Waihi involves cyanide leaching to extract gold from the ore, which is a common method in gold mining today.
• The Waihi Gold Processing Plant takes the mined material and processes it, separating gold from the ore.

3. Tourist Attraction:

• The Waihi Gold Mine is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors who want to learn about the history of gold mining and see an operational mine up close.
• Waihi Gold Mine Tours: The mine offers guided tours where visitors can explore the mine site, learn about the gold extraction process, and hear stories about the town's mining history. The tours provide a fascinating insight into the technology, challenges, and history of gold mining in the area.
• The Martha Mine Pit: One of the most impressive sights is the massive Martha Mine Pit, an enormous open-pit mine that can be viewed from a designated lookout point. Visitors can take in the view of the pit, which is still being mined today, and learn about the geological processes that created it.
• The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre is an interactive museum that features exhibits on the history of the town and the gold mining industry, with information on early mining methods, the impact of gold on the town, and the technology used in modern gold extraction.

4. Martha Mine and Open-Pit Viewpoint:

• The Martha Mine is the iconic open-pit mine in the heart of Waihi. It stretches over 1.5 kilometers in length, 500 meters wide, and reaches a depth of about 200 meters.
• Visitors can observe the scale of the operation from the lookout point at the top of the hill near the mine entrance. The view from this point provides a unique perspective of the mine's size and ongoing activity.

5. Cultural and Environmental Aspects:

• While gold mining has brought economic benefits to the town of Waihi, the environmental and social impacts have been topics of discussion throughout the years. Over time, there have been efforts to minimize environmental impacts, such as improving the way tailings are managed and rehabilitating areas around the mine.
• The mine also works closely with the local community, and part of the mine's commitment to sustainable mining includes working on programs that benefit the town, such as supporting local education and tourism.

6. Waihi Town:

• The town of Waihi itself is a charming place with a strong mining heritage. Visitors can explore the town's historic buildings, including the Waihi Railway Station, which was a key part of the mining operations, and the town's historic district, which still retains much of its Victorian-era architecture.
• In addition to the mine, Waihi is surrounded by beautiful nature, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the local landscape, including nearby forests, rivers, and beaches.

7. Gold Rush Legacy:

• Waihi's Gold Rush Era left a significant legacy in the region. Today, the town celebrates its gold mining heritage with events like the Waihi Goldfields Festival, where visitors can enjoy festivities, parades, and cultural displays showcasing the history of the area.
• There are also gold-panning experiences available for visitors who want to try their hand at finding gold in a traditional manner.

Conclusion:

The Waihi Gold Mine offers a fascinating look into both the past and present of New Zealand’s gold mining history. Visitors can learn about the early days of the gold rush, the methods used to extract gold, and the modern technology behind today’s operations. Whether you’re interested in the history of gold mining, enjoying a scenic view of the mine, or exploring the charming town of Waihi, the Waihi Gold Mine is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Coromandel Peninsula.