Siren Gold seeks five-year gold exploration permit on Golden Bay conservation land

Siren Gold, an Australian mining firm, submitted an application for a five-year exploration permit on a 4,000-hectare block in Golden Bay, Tasman. Unlike its earlier bid, one outlet request does not include mining and instead prioritises groundwater research, especially potential connections to the world-renowned Te Waikoropupū Springs, alongside stakeholder consultation and environmental studies. The company’s chief executive Zane Padman emphasized that closure plans will be considered early and that any mining would require a distinct permit.

The earlier mining permit was denied by the Crown minerals regulator after drilling began in 2022, prompting strong local opposition and calls to incorporate the area into Kahurangi National Park. The land became available through New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals’ newly available acreage process, with applications closing on 9 October.