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Slice of heaven


Slice of heaven
Photo Information
Copyright: Philippe Rufener (Kiwiphile) Silver Note Writer [C: 0 W: 0 N: 13] (148)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-03-09
Categories: Nature
Exposure: f/4.5, 1/1000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-04-01 2:57
Viewed: 227
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Just a glimpse into Waihi's Martha gold mine, barely a few meters away from the town's main street. I had been to Waihi many times, usually on the the way to the beach, but never bothered to walk up from the main street, thinking that the mine was further away! So when I finally did it, a few weeks ago, what a surprise! A gigantic hole in the earth with monster trucks going up and down the spiralling tracks. The one on the photo has wheels between 2 and 3 meters in diameter!

Here is some info I found on http://www.waihi.org.nz/:

The Mine has a history that spans three centuries. John McCombie and Robert Lee first discovered gold on Pukewa (Martha Hill) in 1878. Martha Mine quickly became one of the most important gold mines in the world. By 1952, when the mighty Martha Mine closed, 174,160kg of gold and 1,193,180kg of silver had been extracted.

The deepest vertical shaft plunged 600m from the surface. Radiating from the seven vertical shafts, a 175km long network of tunnels was opened on 15 horizontal levels. About 600 men usually worked the mine but in 1909, when gold production peaked, 1500 people worked between the mine and its stamper battery at Waikino.

Following the resurgence of the gold mining industry in New Zealand in the late 1970s the new Martha project was the first major hard rock mining operation to be commissioned. Opening in 1987, the open pit was extended in 1997 and an underground operation on the outskirts of town also began operation in 2006.

The company conducts regular tours of the site and runs curriculum-linked educational programmes.
Check at the Waihi Information Centre for details.

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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To hifimusicdai: ThanksKiwiphile 1 04-02 21:03
To Janice: ThanksKiwiphile 1 04-01 20:51
To mistic: ThanksKiwiphile 1 04-01 07:49
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Critiques [Translate]

hello philippe,

amazing shoot, with beautiful colors and contrast
i like the little truck against this gold wall
beautifulwork

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3266 W: 267 N: 7731] (32972)
  • [2009-04-01 15:20]
  • [+]

Great shot Philippe
I have never been here but must go see Martha next time we're passing by.
The truck looks great :) Show us how large the area is
TFS
Janice

Great pov and composition. That is a very deep place. TFS
warm regards
David

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