The Department of Conservation has blasted Santana Minerals for \u2018\u2018systematically underestimating\u2019\u2019 the impact of the proposed Bendigo-Ophir mine on the environment.<\/p>\n
But Santana Minerals is accusing Doc of misrepresenting their work.<\/p>\n
Santana Minerals\u2019 Bendigo mine project to be situated in Central Otago, is now going through the fast-track consent process.<\/p>\n
It has applied for a partial revocation of the existing conservation covenant on the project site.<\/p>\n
Doc assessed Santana Minerals\u2019 research and found it wanting in several departments.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Doc\u2019s assessment is that the effects management proposed by the applicant will result in a large-scale net loss of biodiversity and heritage values and that the magnitude of loss has been systematically underestimated by the applicant,\u2019\u2019 the report said.<\/p>\n
A conservation covenant was agreed between Bendigo landowners and the Minister of Conservation in August 2000, under the Reserves Act, the report said.<\/p>\n
It was established to secure permanent protection of the land with exceptional ecological, landscape and historic values.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Overall, the covenant was established to provide legally binding protection in perpetuity for Bendigo\u2019s significant ecological and heritage values and ensure those values remained protected regardless of future ownership or land-use changes.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
As Bendigo was a \u2018\u2018microclimate\u2019\u2019, small wetlands were dotted over the conservation covenant.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018These wetlands regulate flows and microclimate, help maintain water quality and provide specialised habitat for wetland plants and invertebrates that interact with cushionfield\/tussock drylands.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018In the national and global context, wetlands are scarce and irreplaceable: New Zealand has lost about 90% of its natural wetlands since human settlement.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Doc also criticised Santana\u2019s submission for its \u2018\u2018lack of detailed analysis of how the proposal will impact and compromise the values relating to the covenant\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The applicant\u2019s lack of focus on these issues may explain what Doc views as a lack of an appropriate effects management response.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The report said the covenant area of Bendigo was home to a variety of native plant, lizard and insect species.<\/p>\n
Santana Minerals communications spokeswoman Polly Clague said Doc\u2019s opposition \u2018\u2018misrepresents what we\u2019re actually proposing\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Our proposal is a partial and carefully defined change, not a blanket removal, with the vast majority of the covenant remaining in place.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018A partial uplift is necessary because the existing covenant does not allow for mining.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We have proposed a clear replacement strategy, including a new covenant at year 15 that will cover a significantly larger area than the portion proposed to be uplifted.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
She \u2018\u2018did not accept\u2019\u2019 Doc\u2019s characterisation of it having \u2018\u2018systematically underestimated\u2019\u2019 impacts.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Our data shows threatened plant species are present and abundant in the area, which goes directly to Doc\u2019s claims of irreplaceable loss.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The project will affect habitat containing nationally significant plant populations, but that is not species extinction and the difference matters enormously for how consent conditions get framed.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Ms Clague said several of Doc\u2019s assertions about net loss also relied on baseline assessments its own report flagged as inadequate.<\/p>\n
That inconsistency needed to be resolved before conclusions about underestimation could fairly stand, she said.<\/p>\n
In its original fast-track consent application, Santana presented a firm case for the history of mining in the area.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018While new, it only expands on the substantial gold mining history of the Otago Goldfields which has a globally significant production history of over 13million ounces of gold since 1861,\u2019\u2019 Santana\u2019s introduction to its submission said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The Otago region has continued to reap the economic benefits of mining in recent years, with the nearby Macraes Mine generating significant gross domestic product and direct and indirect employment opportunities for the region.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The proposed [Bendigo-Ophir mine] will begin with an about 14-year mine life.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It will generate substantial economic outputs, employment and consequential growth outcomes for the Central Otago district, the wider Otago region and the New Zealand economy …\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n