Favona Underground Mine Hearing

Resource Consent Granted

In mid November submissions were heard over five days, both for and against the application for an underground mine near Waihi.  Applications for resource consent to both the Hauraki District Council and Environment Waikato were being considered by a committee of two Hauraki District Councillors and two independent commissioners.

Mr Rob Fisher, solicitor to the group of companies that are commonly known as the Waihi Gold Company, presented their case for gaining resource consent.  Numerous expert witnesses were called to outline the effects the proposed mine would have on the environment.  The beneficial effects on the economy and house prices were also stressed.

Private submitters were then heard, with concerns ranging from the effect of noise and blasting vibrations on residents, to those who were supportive due to employment opportunity in the proposed mine after the current mine is closed.

The staff of both Hauraki District Council and Environment Waikato then gave their reports, after which Mr Fisher had a right of reply. At the end of the hearing the commissioners reserved their decision.

The Resource Consents have now been granted and the decisions released for the Favona Underground Mine.