Stop Santana's controversial fast-track mine in Central Otago

Santana Minerals (an Australian company which has never operated a mine before) is planning to develop a series of open cast goldmines in the outstanding Dunstan Mountains, above Tarras, in the Bendigo Ophir area. This gold mine, if it goes ahead, will dramatically alter our natural landscape, has the potential for severe adverse effects to the environment, water supply, and will be a negative impact for our visitor experiences and will greatly impact existing industries of the area. Yet Santana is focussed on steaming ahead at pace.

Santana has applied for fast-track consent for their mine. Their application is currently being considered by the Fast Track Panel. Even with some additional weeks built into the process, the Panel has an extremely short period to make such a massive decision. Already, with the help of 16 of our experts and our legal counsel, we've had significant involvement in this fast-track process, asking questions which Santana is finding very hard to answer, and assisting the Panel with objective information to "make the right decision".

We all need to fully understand the impacts of this hasty project, which if not planned properly has the potential for significant failure. The more people who add their voice in opposition to this development, the more pressure it puts on Santana and the government.

Any small donation you can give us will be truly appreciated and very helpful to the cause. Funds raised will cover expert fees, legal fees and related expenses.