Prospecting and mining activity in the district has been concentrated along the Kaimai-Mamuku Ranges, especially in the vicinity of Mt Te Aroha. A significant peat resource exists on the plains and peat has in the past been extracted by Waikato Peat Products NZ Ltd from an 80ha site near to the north-west of the District boundary. The western ranges of the District have also attracted recent investigations for precious and semi precious metals. A number of quarries have been established within the District extracting roading materials and aggregate for construction. Commercial sandpits are operated on the plains utilising sediments previously deposited by rivers.

Along the Kaimai Ranges and in the vicinity of Mt Te Aroha there is a long mining history, particularly for precious metals (gold and silver). The District contains the legacy of New Zealand’s only significant base metal mine, the Tui mine at Te Aroha. The Tui mine was operated by the Norpac Mining Company between 1966 and 1973, and produced copper, lead and zinc concentrates in addition to silver and gold. The mine closed suddenly in 1973 without adequate rehabilitation or environmental protection measures in place. The Tui mine tailings sit high on the slopes of Mt Te Aroha. Discharges from the mine and tailings have permanently polluted the northern branch of the Tunakohoia Stream (which was previously used as a major source of water supply for the Te Aroha township), as well as the Tui Stream itself. The tailings require regular maintenance and there have been problems identifying who should bear the cost of this work. At present the Council is involved in regular inspections and maintenance at its cost.

The District also has a number of significant areas of native flora and fauna. The Kopuatai Peat Dome is the largest and most significant remaining peat dome in New Zealand and contains at least six threatened plants, the locally threatened North Island fernbird, a number of important fish species and has international significance as a waterfowl habitat wetland.