Cotton, R.; Turnbull, I.M.; Morrison, A.D.; Uruski, C.I. 1991 Geological resource map of New Zealand 1:250 000 : sheet QM 398 Queenstown. Lower Hutt: DSIR GEology & Geophysics. New Zealand Geological Survey report M 184. 50 p.
Abstract
Schists of the Queenstown sheet district have produced a considerable amount of gold from alluvial placer and lode deposits, and a lesser amount of scheelite. Stibnite and copper ores have been worked on a small scale. A variety of metallic minerals are found in Fiordland and west of the Alpine Fault, but only small occurrences are known for the area covered by this map. Non-metallic resources which have been exploited are: aggregate for roading, fill and concrete, throughout the region; dimension and decorative stone; quartz gravel and sand; clay; greenstone; limestone; lignite and oil shale. An oil seep and traces of hydrocarbons have been reported. Asbestos, serpentine, bowenits, chromite and nickel occur in an ophiolite suite. Future metallic resource exploitation will concentrate on placer gold deposits, with the potential for large returns. Some gold may also be won from lode fields. Scheelite extraction may continue on a small scale. Aggregate will continue to be a major extractive industry. The potential exists for large-scale lignite mining in Central Otago, with two large deposits delineated by drilling. Some potential for lignite mining also exists in the Te Anau area. Petroleum potential in that area has not been fully tested. Large resources of limestone also occur near Te Anau. Dimension stone and decorative stone quarrying will also continue, but more exploration is needed to find high-quality deposits. Most other geological resources listed in this report are likely to remain of curiosity value only. (auths)
