Santana Minerals has finalized a crucial land access agreement with the Central Otago District Council, paving the way for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project to advance pending regulatory approval.
- Land access agreement secured under Crown Minerals Act
- Indexed NZD 1.25 million annual payment to Central Otago District Council
- Payments to fund infrastructure, environmental, and community benefits
- Project progression contingent on Fast-track Approvals Act consent
- Commitment to transparent community benefit framework
Land Access Agreement Marks a Milestone
Santana Minerals Ltd has reached a significant milestone by concluding its land access arrangements with the Central Otago District Council (CODC) for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project (BOGP). This agreement, made under the Crown Minerals Act, secures access to essential council roading assets, a critical step that allows the project to move forward, subject to the receipt of consent under New Zealand’s Fast-track Approvals Act (FTA).
Community and Environmental Commitments
Beyond securing access, Santana Minerals has committed to delivering multigenerational benefits to the Central Otago region. The company will make an indexed annual payment of NZD 1.25 million to the CODC, starting six months after commercial gold production begins. These funds are earmarked for infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and community benefit packages, with full transparency ensured through disclosure in the Council’s annual accounts.
Balancing Development and Stewardship
CEO Damian Spring emphasised the pragmatic nature of the agreement, highlighting how it aligns regional infrastructure needs with sustainable environmental stewardship and community outcomes. He noted that the arrangement provides certainty around access and a clear framework for community benefits, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible development as it seeks Fast-track Approvals consent.
Regulatory and Operational Next Steps
While the land access deal clears a major hurdle, the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project’s progression remains contingent on obtaining FTA consent. The agreement also stipulates that any future road stopping under the Public Works Act will follow full legislative processes, including provisions for alternate routes as part of the company’s FTA application. This ensures that infrastructure changes will be managed with due process and community consideration.
Implications for Santana and the Region
This development signals a positive step forward for Santana Minerals, potentially unlocking value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. The structured community payments and environmental commitments may also set a benchmark for how mining projects can integrate with local governance and community expectations in New Zealand’s resource sector.
Bottom Line?
Santana Minerals’ agreement with CODC sets the stage for Bendigo-Ophir’s next phase, with regulatory approval now the key focus.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the Fast-track Approvals Act consent be granted, and what conditions might it include?
- How will the indexed community payments evolve with gold production and market fluctuations?
- What environmental safeguards will be implemented alongside the infrastructure developments?