New Zealand has several limestone quarries that are significant for both industrial and economic purposes. Limestone is a valuable resource used in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Here are some notable limestone quarries in New Zealand:
1. Oparure Quarry (Waikato Region):
– Located near Te Kuiti in the Waikato region, Oparure Quarry is one of the largest limestone quarries in New Zealand. It supplies high-quality limestone for agricultural lime, roading, and construction purposes.
2. Tarakohe Quarry (Golden Bay, Tasman District):
– Situated in Golden Bay at the northern tip of the South Island, Tarakohe Quarry produces limestone for cement production and agricultural lime. The quarry is operated by Golden Bay Cement.
3. Westport Quarry (West Coast Region):
– Located near Westport on the West Coast of the South Island, this quarry supplies limestone for agricultural and industrial uses.
4. Mount Somers Quarry (Canterbury Region):
– This quarry is located near Mount Somers in Canterbury and provides limestone for agricultural lime and other applications.
5. Waihi Quarry (Bay of Plenty Region):
– Found near Waihi in the Bay of Plenty region, this quarry produces limestone for construction and agricultural purposes.
6. Tokoroa Quarry (Waikato Region):
– Located near Tokoroa, this quarry supplies limestone for roading and construction projects.
Limestone quarries in New Zealand play a crucial role in supporting infrastructure development, agriculture (through the production of agricultural lime to neutralize acidic soils), and industrial processes like cement manufacturing. If you’re looking for specific details about a particular quarry or its operations, let me know!