The Macraes Operation launched a self-guided tour of modern and historic mining landmarks, as part of the Waitaki Geopark Festival.
The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark was designated in May this year as New Zealand’s first and Australasia’s only UNESCO Global Geopark. The designation marks the region’s significance as ‘a single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development’.
To celebrate the designation, the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust have partnered with over 35 local businesses and community organisations to put together three days of events and activities spanning the Waitaki District, between Friday 27 October and Sunday 29 October 2023.
Macraes Operation general Manager, Mike Fischer, said the operation was proud to be a founding partner of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust and to support the festival and the Waitaki District, which had so much to offer.
“The Macraes Operation is a fantastic example of the geology of the district and supports significant development at a regional scale,” Mike said.
“It is a pleasure to launch this self-guided tour and share more information about historic and modern mining in the region, including how safe and responsible mining contributes to the park’s holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development,” he said.
“While it is not possible for the public to be on an operating mine site, the team here at Macraes set up the next best thing, by making parts of our activities visible to the public.”
“From tomorrow, you will be able to start your tour at The Hub and get up close and personal with one of New Zealand’s largest excavators. You will also get a spectacular view into the Frasers Open Pit, which offers an opportunity to see large mining equipment in action.”
“Once you have been to the Hub, hop in your car and use the tour map to guide you to the other locations The stops on the tour include The Hub, the Deepdell Viewing Area, a historic gravel pumping display, a historic stamper battery and Macraes Village. Interpretive panels at each location will provide information about the unique features of the area.”
