-- Rua Gold (NZE:RGI) applied under New Zealand's Fast-Track Approvals Act to accelerate permitting for its Auld Creek Project in the Reefton Goldfield, aiming to move more quickly from exploration to development, according to a Tuesday New Zealand bourse filing.
If approved, the streamlined process could help the company obtain key consents faster, potentially speeding up development of an underground mine expected to operate for eight years, create around 200 jobs, and contribute about NZ$240 million to the regional economy, per the filing.
The project has backing from local communities and stakeholders, with additional economic studies in progress, the filing said. The decision on the fast-track application is anticipated within the next three months.