Opponents of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine say Santana Minerals’ newly released landscape simulations are only part of the picture, and they are urging the company to release all of its expert reports.

Sustainable Tarras spokesperson Rob van der Mark said the simulations, made public on Friday (September 19), were not accompanied by any expert commentary, making it challenging for a layperson to assess their impacts.

“On first glance when viewed on a desktop screen rather than a mobile phone, the size of the area that will be affected looks considerable,” he said.

Rob questioned the scale of change visible in the images, saying that once dust and light pollution were factored in, the impact on the Outstanding Natural Landscape and local community could be “significant” over the decades-long life of the mine.

While the group welcomed the release of the images, it said the information fell short and continued to push for more detail.

“We welcome Santana finally releasing one small part of its many completed reports that we have long been asking for,” Rob said. 

“We urge Santana to release all reports…in particular the overall assessment of effects, and water and air quality reports. 

“It remains very difficult for the community to assess the real impacts…without Santana releasing all of this information.”

Rob said the group would seek independent expert input if invited as an affected party to the government’s fast-track process, and called on Santana to support community participation.

The comments follow Santana’s release last week of 34 pages of computer-generated visuals showing the mine site before development, during operations, and after closure.

Prepared by consultants Boffa Miskell, the simulations draw on 3D mapping, baseline photography, and overlays of the mine footprint from vantage points including State Highways 6, 8, and 8A, Queensberry, Pisa Moorings, Ardgour Road, and Maori Point Road.

Santana chief executive Damian Spring said the images were deliberately “conservative, worst-case simulations that prioritise accuracy over aesthetics”.

The company noted they did not show replanting or natural regeneration, which it believes will soften the visual footprint over time.

The release comes after a public meeting in Cromwell, where residents challenged earlier assurances about the mine’s visibility. 

Some vineyard owners and conservation advocates warned the project could irreversibly alter the natural backdrop to Cromwell, Tarras and Bendigo.

Santana has said it aims to provide clarity on how the project will look, not just its economic benefits.

The company has yet to file its resource consent application, which it intends to lodge under the government’s new Fast-Track Approvals Act. 

It has said for several months its application is imminent.

Read more: First images of Bendigo mine released to public