The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has accepted Santana Minerals Ltd’s application for the development of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act (FTA).

EPA acceptance confirms that Santana’s submission meets all lodgement requirements under the FTA, allowing the application to proceed into the assessment phase. 

Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said the acceptance is a significant step forward for the project.

“We are very pleased the EPA has accepted our FTA application for processing,” he said.

“This is a major procedural milestone for the project and demonstrates the strength of the work completed to date. We look forward to constructive engagement with the EPA, and other agencies as the assessment progresses.” 

The proposal focuses on the ‘Rise and Shine’ deposit, which has been described as the largest gold discovery in New Zealand in over four decades. 

Santana said the project would deliver a major boost to Central Otago’s economy - adding an average of $360M in GDP each year and supporting around 350 high-paid local jobs, with many more created through flow-on effects. 

“Over its life, the project is expected to generate $5.8 billion in economic value and $1.8 billion in government revenue, strengthening household incomes, local businesses, and regional prosperity across Otago,” the company claims.

A visual simulation of the view from State Highway 6 of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir mine during its operation phase. IMAGE: Santana Minerals/Boffa Miskel report

Local lobby group Sustainable Tarras is strongly opposed to the company’s plans.

The group’s concerns include “the size and scale of the mine right in the heart of an Outstanding Natural Landscape, the massive tailings dam which will hold 10,000 Olympic swimming pools of toxic waste, and the extensive use and storage of large quantities of cyanide solution just upstream of the Clutha/Mata Au River,” chair Suze Keith has said.

The application will now be considered to determine the makeup of an expert panel. Once a panel is convened, its decision is expected to take approximately six months. 

“Meantime, we remain focussed on detailed planning to place orders for long-lead items and the early works programme,” Damian said. 

A statement from the Santana Board said subject to a positive outcome from the FTA process, “construction of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project is expected to commence in mid-2026”.

The full application is available on the Fast-track website and here.