Photo: ODT filesAn Australian mining company’s bid to fast-track its Central Otago gold mine has faltered at the first hurdle after government agencies raised significant environmental concerns and lambasted it for poor planning. The agencies said Santana Minerals’ bid for a decision to be made in 30 days was unrealistic, the Otago Regional Council (ORC) calling for a 140-day decision-making period. In submissions to fast-track panel convener Jane Borthwick, the Department of Conservation, Central Otago District Council (CODC) and local rūnaka raised concerns ahead of a conference call between key stakeholders earlier this week. Representatives of the local rūnaka said the entire consultative process had been inadequate. Doc complained about the "limited meaningful engagement on significant issues" with Santana and raised concerns around "gaps" in information provided.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 23, 2026 17:51 UTC