A recent stage of lowering/levelling has just been completed.
Above and below, photos taken on the first of July 2009
answer:
In 1985 Fulton Hogan had plans to mine the centre of the site to 50 metres below sea level and then blast an opening into the ocean creating a safe boat harbour.
Eventually through negotiations with the group 'Friends of Blackhead' a covenant was drawn up with the Department of Conservation in 1991 to protect the outer rock formations, including the Roman Baths and the Dock.
This is why the large prominence remains untouched at the end of the headland, so spill does not fall down the slopes to the sea and ruin the protected rock formations.
There is still the real possibility of 'C' developing, which in my eyes seems the only way the covenant can be preserved and mining can continue in the predicted volumes as close to the original intention as possible.
B is where we are at now, today.
A is from a photo taken in the early 1980's - photo courtesy of Lloyd Godman, the red line above the headland traces the natural landfall outline. The coloured arrows point to the same rock formations in A and B. these photos are taken on slightly different angles, but still illustrate the picture.























































