Martha mine to be resurrected
A closed gold mining pit is set to be resurrected three years after it was shut down.
The open Martha pit in Waihi, in the Hauraki district, stalled in April 1995 after a major slip on the north wall and a further rock fall a year later.
OceanaGold Waihi general manager Bernie O’Leary presented a new proposal – the Martha Project – to Hauraki District Council yesterday and said the project could see mining continue in Waihi for an estimated 11 years.
If consents are granted, it would see stabilisation work on the north wall of the Martha pit to allow access below for mining operations.
And new underground drives would be created beneath the pit and under a residential area of the town from Rugby Park to the intersection of Mueller and Kenny streets, nearly 200m from the southern edge of the pit.
Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga said OceanaGold has actively explored the Waihi Gold Mine since it purchased it from Newmont Mining Corporation in October 2015.
‘‘We’re aware the company is continuing to explore and study other mining opportunities this year and beyond, and we expect we’ll see other mining proposals come through these doors in the future,’’ Tregidga said.
The proposal must undergo a resource consent process. OceanaGold is consulting with the community and has indicated it will lodge a number of consent applications in the next two months.
‘‘Once we receive an application from the company the consent process will allow community feedback in a variety of ways including face-to-face conversations, online comments, and formal written submissions.
‘‘The council will ensure all information is available to the community as soon as possible.’’
Independent experts will be asked to verify that the proposal is technically robust and independent commissioners will make the final decision.
‘‘Council needs to consider the interests of all the people in Waihi,’’ Tregidga said. ‘‘This includes all residents, ratepayers and all businesses.’’