The owner of Hawkeswood Mining Ltd Simon Johnstone is not deterred by planners' reports recommending his proposed gold mining operation at Millers Flat be declined.

A hearing is set down for May 14 in the Millers Flat Hall over three days, where the company will call on 14 expert witnesses in support of the application.

“We’re still very positive about our situation and we’re confident to make a start on August 1,” he said.

Planners for both the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council said the gold mining operation would cause irreversible damage to sacred Kai Tahu sites, and the company had not taken into consideration iwi’s relationship with the cultural landscape - including the Clutha Mata-au river.

Simon said it had been difficult trying to engage with iwi, with numerous emails sent over several months ignored, and he had been struggling to find out what the specific issues were.

However, last week iwi representatives finally came onsite for a look around and he had started to make some progress with them.

A recent public meeting to answer questions about the gold mining operation in the community had also been successful, attracting over 100 people.

Simon said the proposal would inject between $5million and $7million into the local economy, and the dredge had been reconditioned and was now ready for a new name.

He accepted the reports from both councils, but was surprised more by the regional council, "but they have to do their job and look into all the effects.”