Waihi North Mining Project Approved to Expand Operations Until 2043

The Waihi North mining project has received fast-track consent to expand operations until 2043, significantly boosting New Zealand’s economy with an estimated $5.2 billion in silver and gold exports and supporting around 800 jobs. The expedited approval process took 112 working days, compared to the usual five years, and is expected to generate $422 million in Crown revenue for public services. Oceana Gold’s application includes new open pit and underground mines, extending mining beyond the original 2030 expiry and highlighting the Fast-track process’s role in accelerating major infrastructure projects.