A key conference for the proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project gets underway at 10am today, with the developer seeking a fast-track decision in just six weeks.

The online meeting will be chaired by independent panel convener Jane Borthwick, who will determine which experts are appointed to assess the mining proposal and how long they will have to reach a recommendation.

The conference was originally scheduled for last week but was postponed after Otago Regional Council lawyer David Randell was unavailable due to being on a long-haul flight.

The meeting is being held remotely to allow participation from the developer, government agencies, local councils and iwi, and will be recorded and made publicly available following its conclusion.

Matakanui Gold Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santana Minerals, is seeking a 30-working-day decision window under the government’s fast-track consenting process for its planned mine in the hills above Lake Dunstan, near Cromwell. 

In correspondence on the project, the company said its 9,400-page application is sufficiently detailed to allow for an accelerated assessment.

However, Jane warned an “inadequate timeframe” could result in a lower-quality decision or leave the process vulnerable to legal challenge.

She said the scale and complexity of the proposal may require additional time for the panel to request further information or commission independent technical reports.

The proposal involves both open-cast and underground mining.

If approved, it would be one of the largest gold mines in New Zealand’s history, with company technical reports outlining annual production of approximately 120,000 ounces over a 14-year mine life.

The project has attracted strong opposition from community group Sustainable Tarras, which says it has more than 3,500 supporters.

In a recent social media post, the group warned the Bendigo-Ophir proposal could set a precedent for further mining developments in the district.

Sustainable Tarras has criticised the fast-track consenting process, saying it limits the community’s ability to protect the environment.

The group has also cited comments from regional development minister Shane Jones as evidence of political pressure influencing the process.

Sustainable Tarras is hosting a “Wine Not Mine” fundraising event later this month to support its legal and advocacy efforts opposing the project.

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