Major mining project, Waihi North, has gained consent to expand operations until 2043 through the Government’s Fast-track process.
Infrastructure Minister, Chris Bishop said Oceana Gold’s Waihi North mining project was a nationally significant investment that will deliver substantial economic benefits for the Waikato region and New Zealand.
“A project of this scale and complexity requires numerous consents, permits and authorisations across a range of decision-makers. The one-stop shop of the Fast-track process brings all these approvals together,” said Mr Bishop.
Resources Minister, Shane Jones confirmed the project took 112 working days to approve, from the time the panel was convened. He estimated that approval would have taken longer than five years if it had proceeded through the usual process.
The project is expected to generate $5.2 billion in additional silver and gold exports over its 18-year life – around $286 million per year.
“That annual figure is equivalent to 64% of New Zealand’s wool exports and 14% of wine exports. It is a substantial boost to New Zealand’s exports,” said Minister Jones.
“The Waihi North Project will support around 800 jobs in Hauraki District and beyond over its 18-year life, and these well-paid jobs will inject millions into the regional economy while boosting export earnings for the country.”
Mr Bishop said the expert panel concluded that over the life of the project, Crown revenue including corporate tax, PAYE and royalties, will deliver a net present value of $422 million.
“That revenue will go towards meeting our future healthcare, education and infrastructure needs – investments that will benefit every New Zealander.”
Oceana Gold (New Zealand) Limited lodged the application in April 2025 for staged expansion of its existing gold and silver mining operations at Waihi. The application sought environmental, wildlife, heritage and access permissions to establish new open pit and underground mines, and tailings and rock storage areas across several sites.
The consent extends mining operations beyond the original planned expiry in 2030, to 2043.
Twenty-five projects have now been referred into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure.
For more information about the project: Waihi North.
