However, the chief executive of the company planning the Bendigo-Ophir mine said he welcomed robust debate on the issue, but it must be based in facts, not fear, and despite invitations, Sir Sam had not met with them.
Reiterating concerns raised more than a year ago, Sir Sam said a gold mine in Thomson Gorge was unbelievable and a potential environmental catastrophe.
Sir Sam’s Two Paddocks winery began in 1993 in Gibbston, but had grown and now has vineyards across Central Otago, including "one venue that’s relatively close to that and so that concerns me".
His social media post outlined his view of Central Otago’s future.
"... Why would you visit this kind of environmental catastrophe on to a region that is thriving, that is in the midst of what many of us think of as a renaissance? The future of Central Otago lies in its bike trails, vineyards, cafes, in good farming practice, and a diverse and growing population of people, young and old, who genuinely care about the future of where we live."
His post came on the heels of an art auction organised by environmental protest group Sustainable Tarras.
Sir Sam said anyone fighting "this outrageous project" is his ally.
"Sustainable Tarras is the group of people who are closest to where the mine is proposed — literally neighbours. They are asking all the right questions and they are largely ignored. They are allies."
Santana Minerals, which is listed on both the Australian and New Zealand Stock Exchanges and 43% New Zealand owned, has
forecast the mine would generate $3.8billion in pre-tax profits over 14 years.
However, the prospect of riches from the gold mine did not impress Sir Sam.
"All aspects of life in the province will be permanently affected by the toxic presence of a mine at Thomson Gorge ... the incalculable environmental cost."
He also warned of more mines being developed and was critical of the government’s fast-track approval process.
"... Remember this — ‘fast track’ can mean hasty and fatal mistakes.
"Those of us who love Central Otago are going to fight this. Because, make no mistake, this mine would be the ruin of our region, and importantly its future."
Santana chief executive Damian Spring said debate should be grounded in facts, not fear.
"When commentary drifts from opinion into misinformation, it risks misleading the very communities it claims to represent."
The company had reached out to Sir Sam last year and offered a detailed briefing on the project. He did not accept.
"Had he accepted, his views might today be better informed and less reactionary."
The company’s engineers, geologists and leadership team all lived in the region.
"They care deeply about its rivers, farmland and future. We again extend an open invitation to Mr Neill [sic] to meet with us and see first-hand what responsible development in 2025 actually looks like."
