OceanaGold senior vice-president for New Zealand legal and public affairs Alison Paul said the new consenting process through fast-track, which streamlines permitting while ensuring the same high environmental and social standards were met, was welcomed by the company.
“While we are in the early stages of the process, we believe in our project and OceanaGold’s ability to continue to support economic growth, create high-paying jobs, generate royalties, support communities, and boost exports at the same time as making a positive contribution to the environment,” Paul said in a statement.
The fast-track application included the proposed Wharekirauponga underground mine, which the company expected to be fully permitted, subject to any appeals, by the end of 2025.
This timetable would allow the company to begin decline and underground development work for the proposed mine in 2026.
About $70 million of early works not requiring fast-track approvals were planned for this year.
“In the Waihī area alone, we are expecting to sustain more than 1100 jobs and spend an estimated $3.4 billion over a 15-year mine life, of which about 80% is expected to be spent in New Zealand and over 30% within the Hauraki district,” Paul said.
“We acknowledge that we must maintain our current operating standards and continue to meet the expectations of our communities and of New Zealanders.
“We believe we have the expertise to do that, operating an underground mine that is not just productive – not just a source of jobs and an export earner for New Zealand – but is also environmentally and socially responsible.
“We recognise the ecological value of the Wharekirauponga area, which is a key driver for the mine being underground and accessed by a tunnel from outside the forest park area.”
A map provides an overview of the Waihī North Project. Image / OceanaGold Waihī Project
Paul said the company had committed to a biodiversity project, which it said would result in a significant net gain for the environment while providing jobs and contributing to the economy.
“Our 35-year track record shows our continued commitment to developing resources responsibly, ensuring that we balance economic benefits with environmental and community considerations,” Paul said.
“The recent GNS Science report, The Mineral Potential of New Zealand, highlighted that gold exploration offers prospects for future high-value production from known resources.
“We believe we can contribute to that and the environment and the communities in which we operate.”
Additional information about the Waihī North Project can be found here: www.waihinorth.info.
