Mining In New Zealand
Mining Projects in New Zealand
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New Zealand Mining Overview
Mine Production Information
While New Zealand’s aggregate and gold resources are far and away its most valuable, it also produces:
Iron • Silver • Cement • Coal • Aluminum • Amorphous Silica
However, expanding mining is restricted by environmental concerns, relations with the Maori, and operation costs. Recent interest in ocean mining, including dredging for phosphate rocks, has met opposition but will probably start before 2020.
Value-Added Products
Cement production is dominated by two producers: Golden Bay Cement, located on the South Island, and Holcim New Zealand, Ltd, a subsidiary of the Swiss company Holcim Ltd., on the North Island. New Zealand Aluminum Smelter’s Ltd. underwent restructuring in 2012 and 2013 owing to poor market conditions and substantial financial losses. Production went from 354,029 tons in 2011 to 326,963 tons in 2012 to 324,835 tons in 2013.
Major Exports
Gold • Coal • Aluminum • Amorphous Silica
Market Summary
Social and political concerns mean that development of New Zealand’s mining industry will continue only gradually. Exploration projects are underway for minerals such as ilmenite, however, and much of the country still has undiscovered potential.