The Archey's frog, a critically endangered New Zealand species of frog.
The Archey's frog, a critically endangered New Zealand species of frog.
A precedent for the whole of the peninsula is the warning from anti-mining lobby Coromandel Watchdog as OceanaGold seeks approval later this year to mine a large gold and silver deposit beneath public conservation land south of Whangamatā.
The company confirmed it was undertaking exploration on private property at Hikuai, between Whangamatā, Thames, Pauanui and Tairua.
All exploration and other permits are publicly available on the NZP&M website, a spokesperson said.
OceanaGold plans to develop an underground mine under public conservation land at Wharekirauponga, north of Waihī.
If consented, it would construct the infrastructure needed to support that proposed new mine, develop a small open pit next to its current Waihi process plant, a rock storage area and construct a new tailings storage facility to the east of the current facilities.
Coromandel Watchdog is preparing to fight in court the proposed Waihi North project at Wharekirauponga because it was "deeply, implacably opposed" to mining in the conservation area.
OceanaGold says it had embarked on extensive community consultation and engagement, designed to share more in-depth details of their plans.
"We believe we can access the resource sensitively and respectfully using proven underground methods. Any mining would occur only if it can be undertaken in a way that safeguards cultural, social, recreational and environmental values," said OceanaGold Waihī general manager Matt Hine.
A proposed Martha open pit project would see an expansion of the existing Martha pit in Waihī township; a raise to the crest of the proposed Tailings Storage Facility, TSF3, and an increase in volume for the proposed Northern Rock Stack.
Hauraki mayor Toby Adams said the company indicated council might receive applications before the end of the year.
Catherine Delahunty for Coromandel Watchdog said the group would oppose it.
"We want people to understand the whole of the peninsula would be undermined," she said.
Among its major concerns was the potential blast vibrations in one of only two remaining habitats for the native Archey's frog, the world's most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) amphibian species.
Any impact on the Archey's frog population will be a key focus for DoC's assessment of the application by OceanaGold, the department confirmed.
Archey's frogs are classified as "at risk - declining" and one of three of New Zealand's endemic frog species.
The Archey's frog, a critically endangered New Zealand species of frog.
Evidence shows they're species with an ancient lineage, which means they are likely to be among the earliest frogs to evolve.
The Department of Conservation had not determined a view on the application at this stage.
"And it would be premature for us to do so," said Brigitte Meier, DoC's acting Hauraki, Waikato, Taranaki operations director. "The first step for us in this process is to look at the Resource Management Act application document and assess the environmental effects.
"Our potential role in the RMA process is an advocacy role – advocating for nature and the environment. Depending on the RMA application process, we may make submissions and we may be involved in the process as an interested or affected party," she said.
Catherine Delahunty said the death this year of Dr Phil Bishop, who collaborated with students and scientists throughout New Zealand as well as internationally on frog conservation, was a major blow.
"We have such little expertise of these creatures in New Zealand. I've spent enough time in Waihi to know what underground mining vibration and blasting does to people, and frogs are species whose sensitivity to this kind of impact can be major.
"Dr Bishop, who sadly passed away, was an international expert on Archey's frog and was such an advocate against disturbing frog habitats."
DoC receives updates from independent ecologist Dr Ben Bell, who recorded a major population collapse in the Archey's frog population at its former stronghold on the Coromandel during the late 1990s.
He said the world was watching.
"As the world's most threatened evolutionary distinct frog, it's very precious and there's a lot of international concern.
"The IUCN Species Survival Commission Amphibian Specialist Group and the Zoological Society of London are also concerned about the threats to the species because it's so unique and archaic.
"This New Zealand frog diverged from all other species 225 million years ago, to survive only in New Zealand. They've come through the break up of Gondwanaland and managed to hold on here."
In a published paper, he said Leiopelma archeyi had sufficient resilience to survive severe habitat disturbance in Coromandel in the past, including gold mining, kauri logging, deforestation and introduced mammalian predators.
But with their low clutch size, slow maturity and a long lifespan, extinction is more likely if the population drops around 80–90 per cent.
DoC has estimated their population as being between 5000 and 20,000 across their two known sites – Whareorino and the Coromandel.
Dr Bell had not surveyed the Wharekirauponga area but measured dramatic declines between 1996 and 2001 at a range sites in northern Coromandel, from which the frog had never recovered. At one site an initial decline of 88 per cent occurred, with the population now at about a quarter of its former level.
DoC has estimated their population as being between 5000 and 20,000 across their two known sites – Whareorino and the Coromandel.
Dr Bell said number estimates were deliberately broad, as not all of the ranges have been thoroughly searched.
The Archey's lived in tight places like under logs or amongst rock piles.
"Frogs spend a lot of their day down under tight places like rocks so could feel the vibrations quite markedly. I don't know how strong those vibrations are going to be, they're going to be mining 24/7 so will be drilling and blasting for quite a long time.
"We don't know how they'll be affected, there's no studies in New Zealand so we'll need to search overseas literature," he said.
Mayor Adams said the new proposals had potential to see mining extended in Waihi to 2037 with measurable economic benefits to the town.
"What's important is to keep the interests of everyone in our Waihi community including residents, ratepayers and businesses at the forefront of these proposed projects. At this stage, there are still many unknowns, so we'll ensure information is available to the community as we receive it."
OceanaGold's Martha Mine in Waihi. Photo / Supplied
The mayor said there is a complex and rigorous legal RMA process ahead, with many things to consider before any mining can occur.
Matt Hine said the combined projects would require a larger workforce and extend opportunities for local and regional suppliers.
"The Waihi North and Martha Open Pit projects have the potential to play a meaningful role in supporting the local and regional economy, providing economic benefits and job security and producing billions of dollars of exports over the coming years."
OceanaGold has a community engagement hotline 0800 924 444, and a project information office at 86 Seddon St, Waihī.
