Cobb Asbestos Mine, Cobb Valley, Tasman Region, New Zealandi

Regional Level Types
Cobb Asbestos Mine	Mine
Cobb Valley	Valley
Tasman Region	Region
New Zealand	Country

After Takaka Hill on State Highway 60, at Upper Takaka a road heads south to Cobb Dam. This follows the Takaka River, and requires a 4 wheel drive, if driven in winter.

The walking track to the asbestos mine leaves 2 kilometres past the powerhouse, and follows the disused mine road. The mine is a scar on the hillside, with minor rusting relics. The deposit was discovered in the 1880's. By 1917, 100 tonnes of asbestos fibre had been brought out by packhorse, but the remote location made mining unpayable.

The construction of the Cobb Dam in 1935, and resultant road, gave better access, and the Hume Company mined asbestos until 1964, producing a total of around 5000 tonnes. The mine closed due to the shortness of the asbestos fibres.

Serpentinised dunite is dominant at the mine, with abundant asbestos stock works in places. Local collectors report chrysotile, thurlite and serpentine. We are obliged to warn that asbestos fibres, even in small amounts, are highly dangerous to health, and the mine should be avoided.

A steep 30 minute walk past the mine is Asbestos Hut, which is actually made of wood. Built in 1897 by asbestos prospectors, from 1914 it was the home of Henry and Annie Chaffey for 40 years. Annie lived as a recluse, with Henry prospecting for minerals across the region, walking in supplies from the nearest town, and trying to get companies interested in mining asbestos.

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