We are pleased to share that an Expert Panel has made a final decision to grant approvals for the Waihi North Project.
This project displays OceanaGold’s ability to continue to support economic growth, create high-paying jobs, generate royalties, support communities, and boost exports at the same time as making a positive contribution to the environment.
OceanaGold will now commence the next phase of the Waihi North Project. Several conditions are attached to the project, most of which align with our current operating practices. Our immediate priority is finalising Management Plans that outline how we will meet these conditions. At the same time, we will continue work on the services trench to allow water to be moved between the Willows Road site and our existing Water Treatment Plant which will be upgraded. Construction will also begin on a surface infrastructure area on the farm on Willows Road to support the future commencement of tunnelling works.
The final decision and related conditions and technical documents can be viewed here: Fast-track
Martha Open Pit
The Mining Licence was granted for the Martha Mine Open Pit in 1987.
The Martha Open Pit was the first major hard-rock mining operation to be commissioned following the resurgence of New Zealand's gold mining industry in the late 1970s.
The Martha Mine is situated adjacent to the Waihi township, and the Processing Plant, Waste Rock Embankments, Water Treatment Plant are located two kilometres away in a rural area.
Because of its location, Waihi mining operations have received a high level of public scrutiny. This is reflected by the stringent conditions set for the projects.
Mining at Martha is by open pit methods. Ore and waste rock are crushed at the Surface Facilities Area prior to transportation along a 2.7 km conveyor. On arrival at the Processing Plant, gold and silver are extracted from the ore using conventional carbon-in-pulp treatment methods.
Waste rock is used to construct an engineered earth embankment to contain the tailings. A Water Treatment Plant treats excess water prior to discharge.
Work within the Open Pit is currently suspended due to a slip that occurred in 2015.