When the Martha Pit Mining Licence expires in July 2017 its conditions will automatically be incorporated into the Hauraki District Plan.

Council says the variations are to remove superfluous conditions from the licence and to upgrade standards in the licence so there are no conflicting standards in the Plan when it is incorporated.

Mayor John Tregidga says the proposed variations to the mining licence include deleting the conditions allowing for the Martha Exploration Project (a proposed underground exploration drive under the north wall that will not proceed), removing the higher vibration levels allowed for construction, and replacing the outdated operational vibration and noise standards to the current standards in the District Plan.

'There are a number of other minor proposed changes but none of the proposed variations will result in any change to or increase in environmental effects over and above those currently authorised and they will ensure that there is a consistent approach taken in the District Plan,” says John.

Copies of the proposed variations are available at Council's Paeroa and Waihi offices and the Waihi Library or the Council's website www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz from December 15 and objections close on February 3, 2017.