Proposed Change to the Martha Mineral Zone
In July last year, Oceanagold shared details of a proposed change to the Martha Mineral Zone. The existing Martha Mineral Zone, as defined within the Hauraki District Plan, allows for surface mining within its boundaries. The proposed expansion of the Martha Pit, as part of the Martha Open Pit Project, would require a change to the District Plan to increase the boundary to include all the land parcels necessary to support the expansion (this is inclusive of areas required for rehabilitation).
We are now in the process of lodging an application with the Hauraki District Council for this change to the District Plan.
As shown above, the Martha Mineral Zone is proposed to be expanded in the vicinity of Moresby Avenue, Pitt Street, Haszard Street, and Seddon Street.
No privately owned land will be rezoned as part of the plan change application.
A change to the Martha Mineral Zone doesn’t mean we can mine. Any mining activity is controlled by the Resource Management Act and resource consents would still need to be sought after the plan change has been approved.
Once the application has been made, and then reviewed by the Hauraki District Council, it will be publicly notified. Anyone, including members of the public, businesses, community groups, and councils will be given the opportunity to make a submission on the plan change request.
Once the application is publicly notified by Council, we will be providing further details on how you can have your say and the next steps involved in the application process.
Extending the life of mining in Waihi was a key commitment Oceanagold made to the New Zealand Government when the company acquired the Waihi Operation in 2015. Since then we have undertaken further technical and exploration studies, which have confirmed the viability of an underground mine at Wharekirauponga. As a result, it may be some time before we resume working on a resource consent application for the proposed Martha Open Pit Project.