Ore Found During Geothermal Project

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32120, 16 October 1969, Page 24

Ore Found During Geothermal Project

(New Zealand Press Association) ROTORUA, October 15. The Mines Department has applied for a 5000-acre prospecting warrant over the Broadlands geothermal field, after the discovery of large amounts of silver lead ore in cores from two of the steam bores.

The ore, in the form of sulphide ore containing gold, copper and other minerals, is in rock stratas at a depth of about 2400 feet and in very hot ground, at temperatures of about 270 degrees C. The Under-Secretary of Mines (Mr I. D. Dick) confirmed this morning that a prospecting warrant had been sought, but would make no other statement about the significance of the find. He said the matter would be heard by the Commissioner of Crown Lands in Hamilton on October 20.

The silver lead deposit was struck during drilling at Broadlands early this year Analysis showed that the

drilling cores contained significant quantities of lead, zinc, silver, gold, copper and antimony.

The findings were reported in a paper by a Lower Hutt petrologist, Mr P. R. L. Browne, of the Geological Survey. A similar sulphide strike was made at the Waiotapu bore field in one bore, at a depth of about 710 feet. The discovery has attracted keen interest from overseas mining companies seeking sulphur in the thermal region. Prospecting warrants have been applied for by various companies in the area from Kawerau to Taupo. Dr W. Mahon, geochemist with the D.S.I.R. at Wairakei, said this morning that the amounts of sulphide found at Broadlands were relatively small.

Tremendous initial expense would be required to mine the ore, because of the great depth and heat problems. Dr Mahon said he thought the Mines Department was seeking a prospecting warrant to safeguard the geothermal project from prospectors.

Fire Hazard.—The Wellington Automobile Association’s council has expressed concern about people smoking at petrol stations. The council decided at its meeting this week to refer the matter to the Motor Trade Association. —(P.A.)