Thirty Year 13 Economic students travelled to Waihi on Friday, 26 May, to learn about the gold mining industry courtesy of Oceania Gold.
Students were able to observe the open cast Martha Mine and see the transformation process of changing quartz rock into gold and silver bars.
Mr Phillip Salmond of Oceania Gold provided information on the positive benefits and negative impacts of the mining operation on the town of Waihi, one of the few places in the world where gold mining is undertaken near an urban area.
MAGS’ Head of Commerce, Mr Andrew Maunder, said the trip was relevant to an assignment requiring students to study potential negative impacts of economic activity, how to mitigate them and find solutions.
“The students commented on how the mine is significant to a small town like Waihi, in particular the macro-economic benefits it brings to the population,” said Mr Maunder. “A great day ended with the students witnessing, from a safe distance, a controlled blast clearing rubble in the Martha Mine.”