Regulatory Hurdles Ahead for Santana’s Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project Fast-track Bid

• Fast-track Approvals application submitted under new legislation
• Project designated as of Regional and National Significance in New Zealand
• Comprehensive environmental and socio-economic studies completed
• Expected creation of 351 direct jobs and NZ$5.8 billion GDP contribution
• Land acquisition agreements executed, pending Overseas Investment Office approval

Fast-track Approvals Submission Marks Key Milestone

Santana Minerals Ltd has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project (BOGP) in New Zealand by lodging an application for project consents under the newly enacted Fast-track Approvals Act (FTA). This move follows the project's designation as one of 'Regional and National Significance,' allowing it to benefit from an accelerated regulatory pathway aimed at streamlining development approvals.

The submission, made by Santana’s wholly owned subsidiary Matakanui Gold Limited, initiates a prescribed timeframe for approvals, with the company targeting development consents before the close of the 2026 financial year. This timeline reflects both the urgency and the strategic importance of the project within New Zealand’s mining sector.

Robust Environmental and Socio-economic Foundations

The Fast-track application is notable for its depth and rigour, featuring an extensive suite of baseline environmental reports and mitigation strategies. These documents not only meet but aim to exceed the legal and environmental performance standards set by the new regime. Santana has engaged leading experts across multiple disciplines, including water quality, ecology, air quality, heritage, and mine closure planning, to ensure a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts.

Complementing the environmental work is a detailed socio-economic evaluation forecasting substantial benefits – an average of 351 high-value direct jobs, a contribution of approximately NZ$5.8 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, and an estimated NZ$1.8 billion in government revenue through taxes and royalties over the mine’s projected 13.8-year lifespan. These figures underscore the project’s potential to be a major economic driver for the Central Otago region.

Strategic Land Acquisition and Next Steps

In parallel with the FTA submission, Matakanui has executed binding agreements to acquire the freehold lands hosting the project and its infrastructure, subject to approval from New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Office. This land acquisition is a critical step in securing the project’s long-term operational footprint and demonstrates Santana’s commitment to advancing the project beyond the planning phase.

Looking ahead, Santana’s leadership has emphasized maintaining momentum on construction readiness, detailed engineering, procurement, and early works planning. The company aims to transition seamlessly into development once approvals are granted, positioning the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project as a long-life, low-impact operation that will support regional prosperity and employment.

CEO Damian Spring highlighted the extraordinary effort behind the submission and expressed pride in leading a local team dedicated to delivering lasting benefits to the community and environment. The project’s progress under the FTA framework sets a new benchmark for mining approvals in New Zealand, reflecting a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.

Bottom Line?

Santana Minerals’ fast-track approval bid sets the stage for a transformative gold mining project with broad regional impact.

Questions in the middle?

• Will the Overseas Investment Office approve the land acquisition agreements without delay?
• How will evolving environmental regulations affect the project’s development timeline?
• What are the potential risks if the Fast-track Approvals process encounters unforeseen challenges?