Mining and the community
Newmont Waihi Gold strives to conduct mining activities with careful consideration for employees, the community and the environment. Our 'Social Licence' or the formal and informal approval the Company requires from stakeholders to conduct business now and in the future is every bit as important as our mining permits. Our employees are an integral part of the community; many were living locally before current operations began. To help achieve and maintain social licence, the Company plays an active role in community affairs.
The town of Waihi developed around the underground Martha Mine in the latter part of the 1800s. This is reflected by the location of the Martha open pit. The close proximity of the commercial area and residential properties has a major influence on the way Newmont Waihi Gold operates.
Communication with the community is an important part of the projects. Community consultation began well before the modern Martha Mine commenced operations. The Company is in regular communication with the local community, tangata whenua, local and regional councils and government departments and agencies. This will continue throughout mining at Favona and Trio, during exploration activities and will be ongoing through to closure.
For more information:
Where are we at? 2010 - Questions and Answers
Operating Scenarios - An indicative timeline as at April 2012