http://www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz/news_page/2014/september/talisman
Over the last few years Hauraki District Council (HDC) has worked alongside Department of Conservation to develop the Karangahake car park and reserve. Due to its scenic beauty, people’s interest in historic mining and the addition of the Hauraki Rail Trail the area has become a major attraction.
Bulk Sampling
Last year the Council received a land use application from New Talisman Gold Mines Ltd to undertake exploratory underground drilling and blasting for bulk sampling (the removal of large samples of mineralised rock to test for minerals) at the existing Talisman Gold Mine in Karangahake. The existing Talisman mine is located in HDC’s Conservation (Indigenous Forest) Zone. This zone recognises the importance of the district’s indigenous forest cover and protects its high significance as a wildlife habitat as well as its scenic, scientific and recreational value.
Report on Adverse Effects
“Our number one priority in assessing this application was that it would have no adverse effects that were more than minor on conservation values, recreation and amenity values (visual, noise, vibration), or historic and cultural sites in the area. Traffic safety was also a consideration,” says HDC planning and environmental services manager, Peter Thom.
An in depth report commissioned by the Council last year concluded there would be no significant adverse effects on the environment from the proposed exploration activity and that it was consistent with the objectives and policies outlined in the Council’s District Plan. Because of this and the fact consultation was undertaken with local Iwi and directly affected parties, it was not considered necessary to notify the public of this consent. Resource Consent for the exploration project was granted with a number of conditions.
Conditions
A maximum of 20,000m3 of sample material per annum can be taken from the existing Talisman Mine, around 700 metres underground into Mt Karangahake. Only one blast per day is permitted and it is expected the work will take around two years to complete. The mine entrance is approximately 800 metres from the nearest dwelling and all walking tracks are well separated from the working area. No sites of cultural significance have been identified at the work site.
Misinformation
“We understand how people might be feeling about this project. The Karangahake Gorge is a national attraction and one of our most valued assets,” said HDC Chief Executive, Langley Cavers, “but there has been some misinformation around what the resource consent has actually been issued for – which is mineral bulk sampling and underground exploration work away from walking tracks with strictly enforced conditions.”
He says comparisons with historic mining activity in the area are not helpful or accurate as modern mining methods and regulations are vastly different to those used 100 years ago and that if actual mining were ever to take place it would not be without following a Resource Consent process involving public consultation.
