Recent activity regarding the proposed Sam’s Creek mining project in Golden Bay has prompted renewed interest from the community with some concerns raised around potential risks to water supply and the health of Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Our role in this process is one of a consenting authority, which requires us to assess the application and its effects and subsequently make any decisions around granting consent.
We’d like to take this opportunity to outline what has been approved to take place at this stage.
Siren Gold Limited has recently announced they will restart drilling at the consented sites. Resource consents have been granted authorising exploratory mining activities in a Conservation Zone, to construct multiple exploratory boreholes and to take and use a very small volume of surface water for exploratory mining activities.
Initial consents granted in the mid-2000s allowed for a drilling limit of 500m. These consents have since been superseded in 2017 and 2018, which now specify drilling depths of between 25-1,000m, geological sampling (by hand) and a very small water take.
Since the current resource consents were granted, the Te Puna Waiora o Te Waikoropupū Springs and the Wharepapa Arthur Marble Aquifer Water Conservation Order 2023 has come into force. Nothing in the Order can affect or restrict any resource consent granted before the start date.
The current consent conditions are consistent with protecting the Aquifer and Springs and overall environmental impacts are minimal and very localised.
Monitoring staff have visited the sites, and from our observations, environmental impacts appear to be minimal.
We are mindful of the community’s concerns and in the broader sense share the view that Te Waikoropupū Springs is a taonga that should be looked after.
We will continue to ensure the applicant meets the terms of their resource consents.