The Santana gold mine debate, explained | Now You Know | The Spinoff

Santana Minerals’ plan to build four open-pit mines in Central Otago is currently under review for fast-track approval. Open-pit mines are generally considered to be more cost-effective and safer than underground mines, but they’re also more environmentally destructive. The largest pit, Rise and Shine, will be up to 1km long, 900m wide and 300m deep. The mine will also include an industrial cyanide processing plant and a permanent tailings dam to store the toxic byproducts of extraction. Made with the support of NZ On Air.