Potential dust problems, and growing pressures on public roads, were among concerns highlighted yesterday at a hearing on Oceana Gold's proposed extension of its Macraes mining operation. Oceana wants to open a 63ha pit called Coronation North, which could result in a two- to three-year mine life extension at Macraes, in East Otago. Company general manager Dale Oram has said the mining extension would contribute ''significantly'' to the economy. Macraes area farmer John Harvie made a submission yesterday on behalf of community group Macraes Community Incorporated. The soil at the proposed extension site was ''quite shallow and fine'', making it more likely to be blown by wind, Mr Harvie said.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 01, 2016 17:09 UTC