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
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
NORTHERN ROCK STACK
Although much of the rock from the Gladstone open pit can be used to construct TSF3, and provide backfill for the Wharekirauponga underground operations, at times during the mine life there will still be a surplus of rock that requires storage in a separate stack; the proposed NRS.
The NRS will accommodate the life of mine production of surplus rock. It will sit on company owned land as an extension of the existing rock stack, and will have a maximum footprint of approximately 35 Ha depending on mine sequencing. It will be constructed to an approximate height of up to 85 m above the natural topography.
The NRS will accommodate the life of mine production of surplus rock. It will sit on company owned land as an extension of the existing rock stack, and will have a maximum footprint of approximately 35 Ha depending on mine sequencing. It will be constructed to an approximate height of up to 85 m above the natural topography.
PREPARATORY WORKS
Construction of the NRS will require about 18 Ha of topsoil to be stripped and stockpiled, to a height of around 10 m, adjacent to Golden Valley Road. An OceanaGold Waihi owned house will need to be relocated to enable this stockpiling to occur. Rock from temporary quarry activities within the NRS footprint area will initially be used to construct TSF3.
NRS DESIGN FEATURES
The NRS would incorporate similar design features as the existing TSFs. These features would include a low permeability liner beneath the stack, subsurface seepage drains, leachate collection drains, and capping.
NOISE
If the Waihi North Project is approved, we will be required to manage our activities so that we comply with strict noise limits set through the regulatory approvals process.
There are a range of noise management measures that may be implemented at the NRS to meet these requirements, including:
LIGHTING
To allow us to operate outside of daylight hours, lighting will need to be established around the proposed NRS. The lighting will be designed and located so that light spill is minimised to protect the amenity of nearby residents.
PROPERTY VALUES
The extension of the planned mine life to 2042, if approved, will continue to positively impact Waihi property values.
Our property value assessment has identified the potential for the proposed Waihi North Project to have a minor impact on the values of a small number of properties near the NRS. This is not expected to be long- lasting.
The properties identified in the assessment would be eligible for our Top Up management measure in accordance with the criteria of our property programme.
For full details go to waihigold.co.nz or contact OceanaGold Waihi directly.
HOURS OF OPERATION
OceanaGold Waihi is proposing that the NRS operates from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.
REHABILITATION
The NRS would be progressively rehabilitated in accordance with the surrounding area. On completion, it would be grass-covered and function as part of the surrounding farmland.
Construction of the NRS will require about 18 Ha of topsoil to be stripped and stockpiled, to a height of around 10 m, adjacent to Golden Valley Road. An OceanaGold Waihi owned house will need to be relocated to enable this stockpiling to occur. Rock from temporary quarry activities within the NRS footprint area will initially be used to construct TSF3.
NRS DESIGN FEATURES
The NRS would incorporate similar design features as the existing TSFs. These features would include a low permeability liner beneath the stack, subsurface seepage drains, leachate collection drains, and capping.
NOISE
If the Waihi North Project is approved, we will be required to manage our activities so that we comply with strict noise limits set through the regulatory approvals process.
There are a range of noise management measures that may be implemented at the NRS to meet these requirements, including:
- Equipment selection and maintenance.
- Construction of noise bunds.
- Cladding to reduce conveyor noise.
- Limiting the height of stockpiles.
- Acoustic cladding around potentially noisy machinery.
- Closed board fencing.
- Acoustic noise wall on sections of perimeter noise bunds.
LIGHTING
To allow us to operate outside of daylight hours, lighting will need to be established around the proposed NRS. The lighting will be designed and located so that light spill is minimised to protect the amenity of nearby residents.
PROPERTY VALUES
The extension of the planned mine life to 2042, if approved, will continue to positively impact Waihi property values.
Our property value assessment has identified the potential for the proposed Waihi North Project to have a minor impact on the values of a small number of properties near the NRS. This is not expected to be long- lasting.
The properties identified in the assessment would be eligible for our Top Up management measure in accordance with the criteria of our property programme.
For full details go to waihigold.co.nz or contact OceanaGold Waihi directly.
HOURS OF OPERATION
OceanaGold Waihi is proposing that the NRS operates from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.
REHABILITATION
The NRS would be progressively rehabilitated in accordance with the surrounding area. On completion, it would be grass-covered and function as part of the surrounding farmland.
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