Almost three months after declining a controversial gold mine proposal on public conservation land in Golden Bay, the Crown is accepting new mineral permit applications for the area.
New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals has opened the Sam's Creek site in the Upper Tākaka Valley to a competitive application process that would enable Siren Gold and rival companies to apply for prospecting, exploration or mining permits.
Siren Gold announced in May that its application had been unsuccessful following exploration drilling that began in 2022.
The news was welcomed by some Golden Bay locals who fought staunchly against the mine, fearing potential harm to the Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Some activists locked themselves to the main drilling rig in protest.
At the time its application was declined, Siren Gold said its exploration permit had also expired and it was assessing the next steps.
"If the land becomes available for permitting again, the decision does not preclude the company from applying for a further permit," the company said.
On Friday New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals confirmed it had opened applications for the 20-square-kilometre area.
"The land previously covered by exploration permit 40338 (Sam's Creek) and exploration permit 54454 (Barrons Flat) has been designated as newly available acreage for both metallic and non-metallic minerals," it said.
Applications were open until 9 October.
Siren Gold has been approached for comment.
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz
