Matakanui Gold Limited has asked the expert panel assessing its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project to stick to an expedited 30-working-day decision timeframe, pushing back against suggestions the process could take up to 120 days.

The request was made in a memorandum filed on December 12, responding to comments from panel convener Jane Borthwick that the scale and complexity of the approximately 9,400-page application could require a longer assessment period.

Through legal counsel, Matakanui Gold said the project fits within the intent of the government’s Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, which was designed to accelerate nationally significant infrastructure and development projects.

The company said a shorter decision-making timeframe aligns with amendments currently progressing through parliament and reflects the “robust and comprehensive” nature of its application.

Counsel said the project does not raise a level of complexity that would justify extending the decision-making period beyond the maximum timeframe set out by the fast-track legislation, despite the application seeking approximately 10 separate approvals supported by 135 technical reports.

Matakanui Gold, a subsidiary of Santana Minerals, said it has been actively engaging with the Central Otago District Council, Otago Regional Council, and iwi to resolve issues early and reduce the number of matters requiring determination by the expert panel.

“The thorough and comprehensive substantive application was specifically prepared to facilitate efficient decision-making without compromising quality,” counsel said in the memorandum.

The company is seeking a decision at the “shorter end” of the allowable range, which would see the panel reach a conclusion within 30 working days.

The proposed timeframe has drawn criticism from community groups, including Sustainable Tarras, which has previously welcomed the suggestion of a longer assessment period. 

The group has argued the mine could have intergenerational and irreversible impacts and should not be rushed.

Sustainable Tarras has also raised concerns about transparency in the fast-track process and cited public comments from Regional Development Minister Shane Jones as evidence of political pressure to advance the project.

If approved, the Bendigo-Ophir mine would be one of the largest new gold developments in New Zealand in decades, with projected production of approximately 120,000 ounces of gold a year over a 14-year mine life. 

A conference has been scheduled for January 15 to discuss the differing expectations around the assessment timeframe, and Matakanui Gold has confirmed it will attend.

Read more: Panel signals gold mine decision delay