Gold mine submissions open
Waikaka Gold Mines Ltd is seeking consent from the Gore District Council and Environment Southland to a operate a mine near Waikaka, and about 20km north of Gore.
The company has also applied for the mine to be approved under the Fast-track Approvals Bill.
The site was previously mined in the early 1900s, and an operator also mined to its south briefly in 2001. Results of site investigations indicate commercial feasibility.
The project is looking to mine 95ha of land over eight years, at depths of 20m-40m below ground. a Production is estimated at 6000 ounces of gold per year.
Four sections of the Waikaka Stream and Shepherds Creek would be diverted for a year, before being returned to their current alignment.
Waikaia Gold Mines Ltd would also work to enhance the stream channels by restoring river banks with a higher proportion of native species and cobble substrate.
Following the eight-year life of the mine, the company would undertake full rehabilitation of the mine site, returning it to a ''similar or improved state''.
As a part of the application process, community submissions have been called for due to resource management regulations regarding land disturbance and change of use.
Land-use consent is required for the construction of a mine pit and diversion of water in the region, alongside water and discharge permits for various processing and byproducts such as dust and treated water.
Submissions, to both the Gore District Council and Environment Southland, have a deadline of June 16.
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