The quarry provided high grade magnesium rich fertiliser to local farmers. Mining started in 1940, but closed in 1984 due to the closure of the Lumsden-Mossburn railway line.

In 2006, Southland Serpentine Limited was formed by Duncan and Lockey McGregor, and Bob and Lyn Pearson. The mine produces about 30,000 tonnes per annum of serpentine super phosphate.

The mine was one of several closed temporarily late 2017 by Worksafe over asbestos fears. The mine was ordered to conduct regular tests to prove there was no asbestos in the workings, or provide a management plan if there was.

The mine has allowed local rock clubs to visit in the past. Pictures indicate serpentine was found.

Select Mineral List Type

Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Mineral List

ⓘ 'Serpentine Subgroup'

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ 'Serpentine Subgroup'

Formula: D₃[Si₂O₅](OH)₄

References:

The Southland Times newspaper (2015) Application Lodged to Expand Mossburn Quarry, 07 July 2015.

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Unclassified
ⓘ	'Serpentine Subgroup'	-	D₃[Si₂O₅](OH)₄

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Serpentine Subgroup	D₃[Si₂O₅](OH)₄
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Serpentine Subgroup	D₃[Si₂O₅](OH)₄
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Serpentine Subgroup	D₃[Si₂O₅](OH)₄

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

Australian Plate

Murihiku TerraneAccretionary Complex

New Zealand

South IslandIsland
Southern AlpsMountain Range

Pacific PlateTectonic Plate

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

www.serpentine.co.nz (n.d.) http://www.serpentine.co.nz/about-us-serpentine-story

The Southland Times newspaper (2015) Application Lodged to Expand Mossburn Quarry, 07 July 2015.

Business Day newspaper (2017) Quarries Closed Over Fertiliser Asbestos Scare. Serpentine Mining Halted by Worksafe Over Asbestos Fears, 11 October 2017.

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