Bob Kilgour, of Alexandra, and Golden Bush Mining Ltd are among the 10 making submissions opposing the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) proposal to register the lower part of the valley. The upper Nevis was gazetted as an archeological site in 2007 to help protect 20th century gold-mining sites.
This registration would stifle and restrict regional development and contradicted the message from John Key, Rodney Hide, Bill English and the Ministry of Energy there should be less bureaucracy, not more, to push growth, Mr Kilgour said.
"It will make it even more difficult for mining companies because it's another hurdle and another layer of bureaucracy to wade through."
His comments were echoed by Golden Bush Mining Ltd director and co-owner, Ray Stewart, of Mosgiel.
Mr Kilgour has been involved in mining for 29 years and plans to prospect a previously mined claim in the upper Nevis, while Golden Bush has applied to the Otago Regional Council for consents to mine a site in the lower Nevis.
"Everyone knows the Nevis has been a long-term gold resource; but it's not like that resource can be shifted elsewhere, so why should it be locked up?" Mr Stewart said.
Adding another layer of compliance would cost mining companies time and money - "quite frankly, you'd have to look closely at whether it's becoming too difficult and too costly to get consents", he said.
Previous recent mining operations in the area had proven there were no adverse effects on the landscape.
The Resource Management Act, Historic Places Act and Central Otago District plan already offered sufficient protection for the area, the miners said.
NZHPT Otago Southland manager Owen Graham said registering an area as an historic place did not block opportunities to mine or stifle regional development.
"The opportunities in the lower Nevis go beyond mining or power generation or any other industrial-type returns - the area is already recognised for its historical significance and visitors already tour the area," he said. How individuals saw the potential for the area depended on their perspective, he said.
The trust's report said the lower Nevis was the last remaining valley system in New Zealand in such a complete state in terms of the chronology of mining and pastoral activity. It was a complete record of mining through the years.
Registration of the area would not add another layer of red tape, Mr Graham said.
The Resource Management Act already applies to actions which may impact on the environment.
The trust received 22 submissions on the Nevis proposal, with nine in support and two neutral.
It will discuss the issues with those making submissions and then provide a summary of submissions to the trust board, which will make the decision whether to confirm or reject the registration proposal.
