Save Foulden Maar

A group of concerned citizens who want to see Foulden Maar protected in perpetuity for scientific research and the good of humanity.

The past is the key to the present and the future.

Foulden Maar was created 23-million-years-ago when a volcano erupted to form a shallow crater that filled with water. Over time, the bottom of the lake was built up with layers of microscopic algae to create a diatomite deposit. This deposit also contains a wealth of fossils and historic climate data, spanning hundreds of thousands of years.

But this unique geological treasure is at risk. Plaman Resources Limited planned to mine the entirety of Foulden Maar, including the fossils and climate data it contains. They would have exported the diatomite as a stock food supplement on factory farms and feedlots, and as a fertiliser on environmentally destructive palm plantations in south-east Asia.

Although Plaman Resources has now gone into receivership and liquidation, Foulden Maar is not safe from mining until it is in public ownership so that it can be protected in perpetuity for scientific research and the future of humanity.

Latest news

Community thrilled with purchase of Foulden Maar

STATEMENT: Community thrilled with purchase of Foulden Maar Thursday 2 February 2023 Local community group Save Foulden Maar is thrilled with the news that Dunedin City Council has agreed to purchase Foulden Maar. “Our goal has always been to ensure Foulden Maar is...

STATEMENT: Dunedin City Council moves to purchase Foulden Maar

STATEMENT: Dunedin City Council moves to purchase Foulden Maar

STATEMENT: Dunedin City Council moves to purchase Foulden Maar Save Foulden Maar is thrilled with today’s announcement from Dunedin City Council that it is moving to purchase Foulden Maar near Middlemarch. “We’re very pleased that DCC has listened to the overwhelming...

Plaman Resources withdraws OIO application

Plaman Resources withdraws OIO application

We are pleased that Plaman Resources have withdrawn their application with the Overseas Investment Office and believe it is another step towards protecting Foulden Maar in perpetuity.

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