Mining compo for Waihi residents
A group of residents in the North Island mining town of Waihi is set to get compensation for years of noise, dust and blast vibrations.
Newmont Mining Corporation, which owns the Martha gold mine, will pay compensation to about 130 of the worst affected households.
Residents will get an initial payment of $500 followed by six monthly payments ranging from between $100 and $4,500, depending on how badly affected they are.
The mine is due to close in 2010 and the deal follows two years of negotiations.
Newmont spokesman Malcolm Lane says it’s purely a goodwill offer and hopes it will be well received.
Lane says other residents who believe they are affected but are not included in the compensation programme can ask to participate in it.
