West Coast mine project brings at least 30 jobs

Blackwater gold mine may reopen and provide much needed jobs for the region.

West Coast leaders and goldminers were celebrating last week's announcement the underground Blackwater mine at Waiuta may be reopened, with an Australian joint venture with Oceana Gold to begin exploration.

The project promises 30 jobs initially, and work on the decline should start within 18 months.

Oceana and Tasman Mining aim to reopen the mine, which closed in 1951 after a shaft collapsed, reportedly leaving great riches underground.

If proven in the exploratory phase, the mine would create 100 new jobs and have a life of about 10 years.

Equip owner Peter Haddock, whose company services the mining industry, said it was "fabulous" news.

"I'm so pleased. It's going through private land, it's underground so will have a low visual effect from what I understand."

The mine was already consented and did not need Department of Conservation approval.

Unlike the Pike River coalmine, Blackwater would be a hard rock mine and not gassy.

At Waihi, in Coromandel, the machinery, including dump trucks, was operated remotely, to reduce the risk to workers.

"I know it's not infinite, but it's another important reserve. It will bring in revenue for things like new hospitals," Mr Haddock said.

Grey Deputy Mayor Murray Hay said it sounded exciting and looked promising at a time of such uncertainty for the future of mining.

"Hopefully it all comes together for them."

Minerals West Coast general manager Peter O'Sullivan said it was exciting and showed commitment to the region.

"It's been a very well-thought-out project," he said.

It showed confidence in New Zealand mining.

Buller Mayor Garry Howard said the mining skills that Reefton people had gained with the now-closed Oceana Gold Globe Progress Mine would be useful for the new project.

"It's still in the exploration phase of development, so we've got to be careful.

"There's a lot of work to do the next 12 months.

"I'm looking forward to working with the company. It's good news for the Coast."

The Friends of Waiuta were also excited to hear the news about the revival of the historic mine at the ghost town.In an interview several years ago, former Waiuta resident Ron Reeve recalled that part of the Blackwater reef, level 17 of the old mine, was "like looking in a bloody jewellers shop".

Level 17 was never mined because it had just opened when, on July 9, 1951, the main shaft collapsed, closing the mine. As a result, Waiuta township was abandoned. On Friday, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones, Rural Communities Minister and West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor and Under-Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau visited the West Coast to announce further Government support for the region.

The Provincial Growth Fund will invest $625,000 in four feasibility studies for proposals that would boost tourism, increase transport resilience and generate employment opportunities.

- Laura Mills

Greymouth Star