The Central Otago Wine Growers Association has brought out some heavy hitters in its comments on the planned gold mine by Santana in Bendigo.
The association acknowledged the historic contribution mining had made and continues to make to the Central Otago economy and said it did not oppose mining as an activity, but its submission questions whether the Santana mine, of the scale proposed, and in the specific location, appropriately recognised and managed its effects on an already established, high-value industry such as wine making.
"The key issue for the panel is whether the proposed activity is compatible with an existing, high-value, place-based industry that depends on environmental integrity, land use stability and long-term certainty," the association said.
Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring did not respond to questions about the proposed mine’s impact on the wine industry, saying its focus was on engaging in the fast-track process and responding to the panel.
Among the international wine experts included in the association’s submission was Guillaume d’Angerville, who said he was impressed by Central Otago’s magnificent pinot noirs, produced using similar viticulture and vinification techniques to those used in Burgundy.
"Allowing a goldmine project such as Bendigo-Ophir would ... annihilate decades of efforts by Central Otago’s winemakers to promote and at the same time protect their region."
Fellow Burgundy winemaker Francois Millet said the region would gradually decline, with its economic development falling irreversibly, as problems trigger further problems in a cascading effect.
"It is impossible to continue to claim status as a world-class wine region producing high-quality wines with an impeccable reputation while such a mining project exists," he said.
The association’s submission said Bendigo makes up 25% of Central Otago’s vineyard area, but the effect of the mine would be felt across Central Otago.
Pinot noir defined the region’s landscape and underpinned a high-value economic ecosystem spanning wine production, tourism, hospitality and regional branding.
The Central Otago wine industry operated within a premium, place-based market where reputation was closely tied to environmental integrity and consumer perception directly influenced value.
This would lead to a pathway for brand erosion, reduced willingness to pay and impacts on tourism.
Quartz Reef Wines winemaker Rudi Bauer said there was a need to protect all of the work that had gone in thus far — work that had improved what was otherwise barren and inorganic land.
"The prospect of a potential goldmine in Bendigo has not only a massive influence on Quartz Reef, but also upon all the Bendigo winegrowers, Central Otago winegrowers and New Zealand’s reputation of high-end, premium wines," he said.
"There is a tremendous amount at stake and the moment there is a spade in the ground it will be too late."
Burgundy winegrowers Cyprien Arlaud and Aubert de Villaine said the vines at Burgundy were 2000 years old and the area had a reputation for its pinot noir and chardonnay.
The Central Otago wine region was younger, but its reputation was growing fast. It was now recognised around the world, and especially in Burgundy, because of the commitment to produce great wines.
"As winegrowers with a deep understanding of the needs and sensitivities around land use, it would be stupefying and we would feel hurt and angry if a proposal that places the long-term integrity and well-earned reputation of Central Otago at risk were to be approved," they said.
Mr Spring said "the Bendigo-Ophir gold project is backed by years of independent technical work, and the fast-track approvals process is designed to assess that full evidence base".
