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West Coast Police have arrested a number of individuals and charged four of them in relation to damage done at the historic Big River Quartz Mine between June and July of this year.

Between June 10 and July 7 a group of people allegedly set off an explosive at the mine site. Damage was done to a 12-metre high poppet head structure above the mine shaft.

The group filmed the offending and shared it online. Enquiries were undertaken in Reefton and Hokitika after the footage was shared to social media.

About a week ago, Police executed five search warrants at a residential address — arresting six men aged between 20 and 53.

They are facing arson charges for the damage they did at the mine, and will appear in Greymouth District Court on October 13.

Image: SUPPLIED/Google Maps

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