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Geological Evolution of Otago and its Gold

The accumulation of gold in Otago involved a wide range of processes beginning with the formation of the Otago Schist basement. Progressive uplift and erosion of the schist released the gold into the sedimentary environment where it was further concentrated by physical and chemical processes.

Gold in Otago

Geology and gold on Otago's northeastern margin

Gold Cycle - Gold from the mountains to the sea

Gold occurs in thin veins of white quartz near the crest of the Southern Alps. It is transported in rivers and deposited near the sea. The action of the sea concentrates the gold in beach sands.

Macraes Gold Mine

The Macraes gold deposit is the largest active gold mine in New Zealand. The mine has produced more than 1.8 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 1.6 grams/tonne since opening in 1990.

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