Although mineral exploration in New Zealand has been mainly directed at coal, gold, silver, and ironsand, a wide range of other minerals has been produced since the mid 1970s. More than 20 metallic and non-metallic minerals have been subject to exploration.

Exploration and prospecting for minerals are essential to the Industry's future development. Through exploration and prospecting programmes new minerals are found and more accurate information about reserves is gained. The likely economic benefits of specific mining operations can then be calculated.

The level of exploration activity in New Zealand will need to increase if we are to maintain our present level of mineral production.

Up to 70% of our potential mineral resources are on public land administered by the Department of Conservation.

Mineral ownership……

All naturally occurring gold, silver, uranium, and petroleum in New Zealand is owned by the Government. Permits granted under the Crown Minerals Act are needed to explore for or mine these minerals. Where other minerals and coal are privately owned (which is often the case) no permit is needed, and exploration results and expenditure details are not recorded by the Government.

Exploration 1980 - 2000……

Mineral exploration in New Zealand was very successful between 1980 and 1984, with the discovery of the Golden Cross deposit near Waihi, Macraes in Otago and Reefton on the West Coast (South Island) deposits, and the potential of the Martha mine confirmed.

Exploration expenditure with a current value of $100 million during this period discovered resources with a potential gross value exceeding $2 billion. The possibility of this success provides the spur to exploration.

Delay between discovery and production for hard rock gold deposits has ranged from 6 years for Macraes mine to more than 20 for the Globe-Progress mine at Reefton which started operation in 2007. Delays are due mainly to the need for exploration, mine feasibility and environmental investigations, and awaiting the approval of government agencies.

The last ten years yielded major expansion of reserves adjacent to Macraes mine and additions to the reserves of other operating mines.

Exploration spending and the rate of mineral permit and licence applications declined between 1987 and 1990, and remained at a low level during the 1990s.

Exploration since 2000

Exploration spending by companies in New Zealand increased from $1.3 million in 2001 to $25 million in 2006, with activity being concentrated in the Waihi district in the North Island, Westland-Otago in the South Island, and offshore between White island and the Kermadec Islands.……

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