Story perspectives

Santana Minerals' Goldmine Faces Backlash Over Environmental Concerns

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Santana Minerals seeks to develop the Bendigo-Ophir open-cast goldmine in Central Otago, exploiting an estimated $6.75 billion in gold deposits.
Sustainable Tarras warns the project would threaten the region’s landscape and tourism.
Actor Sam Neill supports the opposition, stating, "I'm not against mining. I'm against this mine."
Critics fear harm to wildlife and a toxic legacy, while the government’s fast-track approval process has faced backlash for undermining environmental protections.

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Story summary

Santana Minerals seeks to develop the Bendigo-Ophir open-cast goldmine in Central Otago, exploiting an estimated $6.75 billion in gold deposits.
Sustainable Tarras warns the project would threaten the region’s landscape and tourism.
Actor Sam Neill supports the opposition, stating, "I'm not against mining. I'm against this mine."
Critics fear harm to wildlife and a toxic legacy, while the government’s fast-track approval process has faced backlash for undermining environmental protections.