Fears rise over gorge mining plan

Opposition is mounting against a controversial plan to reopen a mine in the Karangahake Gorge. Locals voiced concern this week after trucks were seen leaving the site loaded with ore. Photo / New Talisman Gold Mines

Opposition is mounting against a controversial plan to reopen a mine in the Karangahake Gorge.

New Talisman Gold Mines (NTL) was issued a non-notified resource consent by the Hauraki District Council in November, 2013, and the Department of Conservation gave the company authority to enter and operate in the area last month.

Locals voiced concern this week after trucks were seen leaving the site loaded with ore but the company says the mine is still more than three months away from opening.

Chief executive Matthew Hill said the mine was in the preparation phase. The trucks were carting ore that had been mined years ago and stockpiled as part of the preparatory work for the site.

The relocation of the old stockpiled ore was flagged in a statement issued by the company on Monday.

"NTL is pleased to announce today that it has removed a further 22 tonnes of ore that remained on the Talisman mine pad to a crushing facility nearby the mine. This ore was crushed and sampled and then moved in bins to a secure storage facility," the company said.

Coromandel Watchdog campaign manager Ruby Powell said that a social media and mass emailing campaign had begun to ask the candidates standing in the Coromandel electorate to take a stance on mining in the Karangahake Gorge.

A protest was also planned for Sunday and a public meeting was scheduled for September 16 at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall.

Iwi spokesperson Winn Brownlee of Ngati Tamatera said local iwi were opposed to mining in Karangahake.

"Talisman Gold did come to see me and we objected to the mine, just as our forebears did. "They shouldn't be touching anything close to our [river] ... " she said. Mr Hill said opponents to the plan had a democratic right to protest but to get consent the company had to prove the mine would have a minimal impact on the area.

The mine was expected to deliver 600 tonnes of ore a month once it was operating, in the build-up to fuller production.

"It's a very, very small tonnage," Mr Hill said.

The company was preparing its health, safety and management plan and aimed to present it next month.

Following the presentation, the company would have to wait a further two months before starting on the land and was carefully following all rules and regulations outlined by relevant authorities.