Australian mining company Siren Gold hopes to extract billions of dollars worth of gold at Sams Creek in the Upper Tākaka Valley. The group wanted to engage with Siren Gold and voice their concerns but did not hold out much hope, he said. Exploration drilling was ongoing at the site as the company awaited the result of its mining permit application, he said. MBIE minerals and offshore renewable energy national manager petroleum John Buick-Constable said the Sams Creek Gold mining permit application was still being assessed. The company's existing exploration permit remained in force while its mining permit was being assessed, Buick-Constable said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2026 10:25 UTC