Another gold mine planned

Gold fever shows no signs of slowing in Central Otago with another area expected to be mined.

The latest site was granted consent for mining a decade ago but never progressed.

Hawkeswood Mining has advertised a public meeting on July 3 to discuss its Coal Creek project.

Company owner Andrew Hawkeswood said he would not reveal more details before then.

Kokiri Lime Company Ltd was granted consent 10 years ago by both the Otago regional and Central Otago district councils to mine on the 163ha of land at Coal Creek Flat.

It was anticipated mining the horticultural and pastoral land would create 10 jobs and last about 15 years.

At the time the idea was not welcomed by most of the surrounding landowners, with eight of 19 involved approving the plans.

When the consent was issued in August 2016, Kokiri Lime director Mack Ferguson said there was a still a lot of work to do and they would take their time.

Ultimately, the project never progressed.

Yesterday, Mr Ferguson did not respond to a request for comment.

Hawkeswood Mining has operated a gold mine on the outskirts of Millers Flat since 2024 and in March announced plans to expand around the township.

Mr Hawkeswood told a public meeting he planned to mine one block across from the existing mine area and two either side of the town.

Access to the proposed mine site would require re-routing a stream and two roads as well as creating a heavy vehicle crossing to the existing mine.

The plan did not appear to have the support of many at the meeting, with concerns raised about property prices, noise and dust.