Gold mining dredge in operation9/18/2023 ![]() In 1957, the dredge was relocated to Taramakau River where it worked until 1978 when it was dismantled. This dredge and worked in the Hokitika area between 1938 to 1953. Some of the machinery used to construct the Grey River Gold Dredge back in 1989 was salvaged from a another dredge, originally constructed by Kaniere Gold Dredging Company Ltd. Even in average ground in 2020 it is estimated it would generate approx. But now, in 2020, gold is close to $3000 per ounce, three times what it was then, making the operation of the dredge a viable option once more. The dredge lay idle from 2004 until 2009 when further resource consent were granted and the dredge was re-commissioned, working through to 2012.Īt the end of that work the gold dredge was mothballed due to resource consent issues and falling gold prices. However, the company went into receivership eight months later and Birchfield Minerals purchased the dredge in August 1992 and worked the goldmining operation until 2004. The dredge was originally built by American company R.A. It is understood to be the largest gold dredge in the southern hemisphere and the potential for any buyer to re-commission it is very real. The 30-year old dredge is now for sale, up at Ngahere, about 22km inland from Greymouth. Mining… Pure economic development: Grey River dredge restoration a winnerīirchfield Minerals mothballed its giant gold dredge and three associated Grey Valley dairy farms some time ago. ![]()
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