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Story: Physics, chemistry and mathematics

Waihi Gold Mining Company's cyanide vats, 1899

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Waihi Gold Mining Company's cyanide vats, 1899

The Waihi Gold Mining Company's cyanide vats at Waikino, seen here in 1899, were used in the extraction of gold from quartz. The MacArthur-Forrest cyanide process was thoroughly investigated by Government Chemist William Skey. Once he gave his approval, in 1897, the government bought the New Zealand rights to the process, which was then used extensively in New Zealand gold mines.

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: AWNS-18990609-3-1

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Rebecca Priestley, Physics, chemistry and mathematics – Physical sciences, 1760s to 1890s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/43353/waihi-gold-mining-companys-cyanide-vats-1899 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Rebecca Priestley, published 15 November 2013.