Nina Hindmarsh continues to follow the Sams Creek story, with The Press today publishing her article after she spoke this week with both Sams Creek Collective and Minister for Resources Shane Jones.
Excerpt:
‘Opponents of a proposed gold mine say they fear political influence risks overriding due process in deciding the fate of the controversial Golden Bay project.
Sams Creek Collective’s Julie Downard said she was “hugely concerned” that Minister for Resources Shane Jones would end up backing “a group of Australians who wanted to make a quick buck for themselves” at the expense of the community’s water supply.
But Jones rejected that, saying mining concessions were “duly considered” by officials.’
Australian mining company Siren Gold will begin a new round of drilling at its Sams Creek prospect in the coming days, as critics fear politics could sway the outcome of its mining bid.
In the article the Minister warned against “lotus-orientated conspiracies” in Golden Bay and urged opponents to have confidence. SCC is first and foremost concerned about our water supply and the taonga that is Te Waikoropupu Springs and is not aware of any ‘lotus-oriented conspiracies’. We just want clean water for our community.