Watchdog Rally to Challenge Mine Decision

Anti-mining groups have acted swiftly on the back of yesterday Waihi North Goldmine fast track approval, Coromandel Watchdog is planning a rally tomorrow.

The “rally of resistance” against what spokesperson Catherine Delahunty describes as an environmental crime, will take place at the entrance to the Wharekirauponga forest at 11am.

She said the aim was to express the intention to keep fighting this project and the growing gold rush of greed affecting Hauraki Coromandel and other parts of the country.

Yesterday Oceana Gold was granted fast track approval for its new underground mine which extends from Willows Road, north of Waihi under the Coromandel Forest Park.

Catherine said under the fast track her organisation was able to comment but not seriously challenge the range of risks this project presents to the environment and the future.

She said the decision was a disaster for the region and its future.