The Colebrook Fiasco – Part 3 – The fiasco

Introduction The last two blogs told the story of the rich copper mine at the top of Colebrook Hill.  The prospect was inspected and dissected by some of the best mining men in the country.  The hill seemed to be a huge deposit that would rival the Mount Lyell mine at Queenstown.  Some said that … Read moreThe Colebrook Fiasco – Part 3 – The fiasco

The Colebrook Fiasco – part 1, the long and careful years

The wash in the creeks may carry gold, and lodes in the ridges be, But the pyritic ore of the copper belt it pleases most to see; Through the nameless scrub in the sun or rain we follow the luring quest. And cut our way with our tomahawks where the badger makes his nest. (Paul … Read moreThe Colebrook Fiasco – part 1, the long and careful years

The Long History of a Little West Coast Mine

There are a few things that I learnt during this hunt.  One is that a story chooses you and won’t let you go until you tell its history. It can wait a long time but it will get its story told.  Another is that once it gets hold it won’t let you go easily.  And … Read moreThe Long History of a Little West Coast Mine