Land Access Agreement Reached for Bendigo-Ophir Project

Following extensive negotiations, Central Otago District Council (CODC) has reached an agreement with Santana Minerals Limited to secure access to council-owned roads for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project.

The access agreement was approved by elected members at council’s first meeting of the year (28 January 2026) and relates solely to land access under the Crown Minerals Act.

It does not constitute approval of mining activity but addresses the land access requirements that form part of the project’s regulatory pathway.

The agreement covers Thomsons Gorge Road and the Shepherds Creek paper road, including a 20-metre strip on either side of those roads.

“As a landowner, the council is required to consider and, where appropriate, negotiate access arrangements under the Crown Minerals Act,” CODC Chief Executive Peter Kelly said.

“Approving this agreement provides clarity around access arrangements, but it does not predetermine whether the mine will proceed. That decision sits with the relevant consenting and regulatory processes.”

Any future road stopping will be subject to the full legislative process under the Public Works Act or the Local Government Act, and council will work through that process over the coming months.

If any roads are stopped, an alternative route will be constructed to ensure continued public access is maintained.

CODC Mayor Tamah Alley said the agreement provides the district with a clear and transparent financial return from the use of council land.

“This agreement ensures that if the project goes ahead, the Central Otago community receives tangible, long-term benefits, while maintaining transparency and public accountability,” she said.

Under the agreement, Santana Minerals has committed to a CPI indexed annual payment of NZD $1.25 million to the council, commencing once commercial gold production begins.

The funds will support the delivery of resilient, future proofed infrastructure to help the district manage growth, deliver enduring community and environmental benefit, and support initiatives that unlock wider economic development opportunities.

All allocations of these funds will be reported in the council’s annual accounts, ensuring the community can see how they are applied to priorities within the district.

Mayor Alley emphasised that council has not taken a position for or against the proposed mining project.

“We acknowledge our community holds a wide range of views. Our focus is on ensuring decisions are made objectively, lawfully, and with full consideration of the information available,” she said.

Santana Minerals Chief Executive Damian Spring described the agreement as a material milestone for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project.

“It reflects a pragmatic outcome with CODC that provides certainty around access, delivers a clear and transparent community benefit framework, and allows the project to progress in an orderly manner, subject to Fast-track Approvals consent. Importantly, it reinforces that well-designed projects can align regional infrastructure, community outcomes and long-term economic value, with sustainable environmental stewardship, as demonstrated in our Fast-track application,” Mr Spring said.

Council will continue updating the community as statutory processes advance and formal decisions are made.