A plan to extend the huge open cast Martha Mine at Waihi has been given the go ahead.
The goldmine in Waihi is changing hands from Newmont to NZ company Oceanagold. Photo: 123RF
The Hauraki District and the Waikato Regional Councils have granted resource consents to OceanaGold, which it says ensures mining will continue there for at least the next 10 years.
The company will do stabilising work before excavating for gold under the open pit.
Mining stopped in early 2015 after a major slip and rockfall at the site.
The company has welcomed the decision but says opponents still have until February next year to appeal.
Critics say the years of blasting and vibrations will affect property prices.