OceanaGold has submitted an application through the Fast-track approvals process for the Waihī North Project.

"We welcome the new consenting process through Fast-track, which streamlines permitting, while ensuring the same high environmental and social standards are met,” OceanaGold’s Senior Vice President for New Zealand Legal and Public Affairs Alison Paul said.

“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."

The Fast-track application includes the proposed Wharekirauponga underground mine which the company expects to be fully permitted, subject to any appeals, under the Fast-track approvals process by the end of 2025.

This timetable would allow the company to commence decline and underground development work for the proposed underground mine in 2026.

About NZ$70 million of early works not requiring Fast-track approvals are planned for this year.

"In the Waihī area alone, we are expecting to sustain more than 1100 jobs and spend an estimated NZ$3.4B over a 15- year mine life, of which about 80 per cent is expected to be spent in New Zealand and over 30 percent 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 showing Waihī North Project overview. Image/OceanaGold Waihī Project.

Paul said this is also why they have committed to a biodiversity project which they said will result in a significant net gain for the environment – at the same time as, underground, the mine provides jobs and contributes 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 may be found here: www.waihinorth.info