Under The Microscope

MINERAL WEALTH OF NEW ZEALAND, by Bruce Thompson, Bob Brathwaite and Tony Christie; Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Ltd, 1995; 170 pp; $49.95 (Special introductory price $40.00)

This colourful and well-presented book is a technical resource book aimed at a general audience including university students and senior high school students, as well as professionals involved in mineral exploration and acquisition.

It is divided into two parts with the first section dealing with what minerals are, how they are formed, where they are found and mineral exploration and mining. It also contains a case study of an actual mining operation from the initial exploration through the feasibility study and environmental impact report to the application for the mining licence.

The second part is an alphabetical listing of the various minerals found in New Zealand covering their content, occurrence, use, production and status as a resource within this country. This section not only covers such minerals as iron, tin, coal and gold, but also aggregate, geothermal energy and groundwater.

Appendices at the back of the book give useful information including a glossary of terms, Mohs hardness scale and a listing of chemical symbols. There is also an index, and each chapter ends with a list of books and articles for further reading.

The text is well laid out with use of subheadings, colour charts, clear diagrams and informative captions for the many colour and black-and-white photographs throughout the book. It is easy to find information on particular areas of interest, for example the environmental impact of mining or all about the occurrence and use of molybdenum. The material covered is comprehensive and, I feel, well suited for the target audience.

Ros Davis, NZSM