A gold-mining project on the Earnscleugh flats, near Alexandra, will be undertaken in two stages starting in July, a public meeting of almost 200 residents was told last night.
Most of Earnscleugh turned up to the 7pm meeting to hear L and M Mining Ltd's rejuvenated plans to mine within the Earnscleugh flats.
L and M exploration manager David Manhire, of Christchurch, brought those in attendance up to speed with the company's historic plans for its seven-year mining operation, first granted consents in 2001.
Mr Manhire said stage one of the project would involve mining land to the Eastern side of Earnscleugh Rd, known as the old Molyneux Motors block.
Contract miners would operate during daytime hours Monday to Friday and half of Saturday in the first stage, increasing operation to 24 hours a day, seven days a week during stage two of the project, he said.
Mr Manhire said while preparatory work had already begun, groundwork for stage one would start in June, and mining in July.
Stage two groundwork should occur during autumn next year, with the six-year mining operation set to begin in August.
Beca Infrastructure Ltd senior environmental engineer Prue Harwood, of Dunedin, presented details of air and water quality monitoring for the project, as well as how conditions of consent would be closely watched and dealt with if breached.
Mrs Harwood, who was involved in the project's consent process while working for the Otago Regional Council at the time, said conditions were designed to restrict potential negative effects of the mining, with particular regard for the affected environment and its occupants.
L and M had volunteered operation conditions following public concern raised during the initial consent process, and any breaches would swiftly be dealt with, she said.
Nominations and expressions of interest for a liaison committee were also called last night.
The committee would comprise local residents, staff from regulatory authorities, and L and M representatives.
It would enable all involved to report during at least quarterly meetings.
