Mount Burnett (New Zealand) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Burnett |
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Mount Burnett (centre)
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 641 m (2,103 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Burnett
Location in New Zealand
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| Parent range | Burnett Range |
Mount Burnett is a hill located in Kahurangi National Park in Golden Bay / Mohua, New Zealand. It's a special place known for its unique plants and animals, and for its mining history.
Contents
Where is Mount Burnett?
Mount Burnett is part of the Burnett Range. This range forms the north-west edge of the valley where the Aorere River flows. Mount Burnett stands at 641 meters (about 2,103 feet) tall. While it's not the very highest peak in the range, it is the highest one that has a name.
At the bottom of Mount Burnett, near the Aorere River, is a small area called Ferntown. The closest town to Mount Burnett is Collingwood, which is to the south-east.
Unique Nature and Animals
Mount Burnett has a very special environment. Many types of shrubs and sedges (grass-like plants) grow only on this mountain. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, it is called endemic.
This mountain is also home to a large number of giant land snails. These snails are called Powelliphanta gilliesi gilliesi. They are a critically endangered type of snail, which means they are at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Geology and Mining History
Long ago, people exploring the area found materials on Mount Burnett that could be used to make cement. In 1882, a factory was built in Ferntown to make cement. This factory was run by the same company that operated a coal mine on Mount Burnett.
The company brought in new machines to make a lot of cement. However, they soon ran out of money, and the cement production stopped.
Dolomite Mining
Today, Mount Burnett is home to an open-cast mine. This means the mining is done from the surface, like a big quarry. The mine digs up a mineral called dolomite.
Dolomite from Mount Burnett is very important for farming in New Zealand. It is used as a special fertiliser to help crops grow better. This mine is the only place in New Zealand where dolomite is found. About 20 people work at the mine. Some of the dolomite is sent by ship from Port Tarakohe.
In 2004, there was a plan to make the mine bigger, but the government decided not to allow it. Some environmental groups, like Forest & Bird, are concerned about the mining and want to protect the mountain's unique nature.
