Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
West Coast Police have charged four men in relation to damage at the historic Big River Quartz Mine in June and July this year.
Police received a report that between 10 June and 7 July, a group of people had entered the mine site and set off an explosive in the mine shaft.
This caused significant damage to the 12-metre high poppet head structure above the mine shaft.
The area is registered as a Category 1 Historic Place.
The offending was filmed and shared on social media, leading to a number of enquiries being undertaken in Reefton and Hokitika.
Last week Police executed five search warrants at residential addresses. A total of six men were arrested, and four of them are now facing charges of arson in relation to the damage at Big River.
The men, aged between 20 and 53, are due to appear in the Greymouth District Court on 13 October 2021.
Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate further people suspected of being involved.
Anyone who has any information which may assist is asked to contact Police by calling 105 and quoting file number 210707/6710.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
