Three months after the mining permit application for Sams Creek was turned down, Sams Creek Collective (SCC) is monitoring for the government’s imminent announcement of its decision on the land’s status. Is a fight still ahead for our community against Siren Gold re-applying or a new applicant stepping forward, or could the land be designated as unavailable for mining?
Siren Gold has released its activities report for the quarter ended 30 June 2026, with CEO Zane Padman describing the declining of its mining permit application for a gold mine at Sams Creek as disappointing and a significant setback.
Through its NZ subsidiary Sams Creek Gold, the Australian mining company had applied for a mining permit after its exploration permit expired, but in May the application was declined by New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M), as it did not meet the legislative requirements under the Crown Minerals Act.
With no active mining permits currently granted, NZP&M is now reviewing the land status at Sams Creek. With these decisions usually made within 60 working days, the status is likely to be announced during August.
Some key points:
• The Crown can allow new applications from Siren or other mining companies, make restrictions, or remove the land from mining availability.
• The decision does not preclude Siren from applying for a further permit and it is actively evaluating its legal, regulatory and commercial options to re-establish its position if circumstances permit.
• The declined application is certainly a financial blow. Since acquiring the Sams Creek project in October 2022, Siren states it has invested approx. Au$4.1 million (NZ$5 million) in exploration and evaluation activities.
• Following the permit decision, the company announces it has relinquished the adjoining Waitui and Barrons Flat exploration tenements, which would have required significant future expenditure.
• The company reports it has worked closely with the Department of Conservation (DoC) to ensure all Sams Creek drill sites were rehabilitated safely, responsibly, and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Siren is now focusing on its other NZ exploration and active projects.
Report link: www.sirengold.com.au/site/investor-centre/investor-welcome
In a recent article run across several media, journalist Max Frethey comprehensively explored the status of the Sams Creek project and what may happen next. He explains that there are two processes to follow if the land is again made available for applications.
“Through either process, applications could be for prospecting, exploring, or mining. However, mining applications face a “significantly higher threshold” to demonstrate that sufficient technical work had been completed to determine the resource, establish its economic vitality, and support a detailed mining programme.” As Siren Gold has now found out with its application declined.
Read Max’s full article: https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/361043675/whats-next-sams-creek-after-failed-mining-bid
In December 2025, Sams Creek Gold Limited was served with a notice of proceeding by Save Our Springs (‘SOS’). The environmental group has applied for a judicial review over the New Zealand Minister for Resources granting an appraisal extension and accepting a mining permit application for the project. Siren states it is evaluating its options regarding the review.
SOS has also launched a petition on the Greenpeace NZ website to get the land incorporated into Kahurangi National Park, where mining is not permitted. Petition link: https://community.greenpeace.org.nz/petitions/expand-kahurangi-national-park
As we await NZP&M’s land status decision, Sams Creek Collective (SCC) continue to strongly oppose a gold mine backed by Siren Gold or any other mining company situated above Takaka valley’s unique water catchment.
The Sams Creek location and terrain are completely unsuitable, and the risks are just too high. With only three months to go before the election, we urge NZ voters to question candidates about their stance on controversial mining projects and to use your vote to support protecting our environment.
