Fast Track Approval Received
Santana Minerals Ltd
Level 1, 371 Queen St
Brisbane, QLD 4000
ABN 37 161 946 989
GPO Box 1305
Brisbane, QLD4000
T: +61 7 3221 7501
7 October 2024
Significant step forward: Santana named on Fast Track
Approvals Bill
Santana Minerals Ltd (Santana, ASX/NZX: SMI or the Company) is pleased to announce that its
Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project (BOGP) in Central Otago, New Zealand, has been officially designated as a
‘Fast-track Project’ under Schedule 2 of the coalition government's Fast Track Approvals Bill.
This designation follows a comprehensive review by an independent Advisory Group with approval
from the Minister Responsible for Resource Management Reform, the Minister for Regional
Development, and the Minister of Transport. The BOGP has now been recognised for meeting the Bill’s
objective of driving economic growth both regionally and nationally.
This recognition comes as Santana completes extensive environmental baseline studies in preparation
for the mine's approvals under the existing Resource Management Act (RMA). The Company is pleased
its detailed environmental work (which evaluates environmental impacts and supports net-benefits
post mining) will now receive a more focused review process under the Fast Track reform which
prioritises nationally significant projects.
The Fast Track Approvals Bill is expected to be reported back from the Select Committee on October
18, 2024, with Schedule 2 set to be incorporated later this year, and the Bill anticipated to be enacted
by year-end.
Santana CEO Damian Spring commented:
"We are thrilled that our project has been recognised as one of national significance, with the potential
to deliver substantial benefits both regionally and nationally. We've long known the Bendigo discovery
is unique and impactful within our sector, and this acknowledgment by central government, along with
the expedited permitting process, is a major milestone not only for us but also for those focused on
economic growth and improved living conditions across the country. With gold prices soaring above
NZ$4,300/oz, we couldn't be more pleased."
Ends.
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board.
Enquiries:
Damian Spring
Exec. Director & CEO
dspring@santanaminerals.com
Sam Smith
Exec. Director Corp Affairs & IR
ssmith@santanaminerals.com
Announcement
ASX:SMI
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