Can small native frogs and large gold mines co-exist?

Before mining started at Golden Cross, the company commissioned detailed biological studies to determine whether any species of particular value could be affected.

The project area was found to contain Archeys frog, a small native New Zealand frog, at three locations, with two further occurrences between the open pit mine and the Waitekauri Stream.

This species is confined to the Coromandel Peninsula and is classified as 'regionally threatened'. The frogs within the area affected by the project were shifted to the adjoining forest by biologists employed for the purpose by the company. The area between the open pit and the stream was left undisturbed.

Recent surveys since the mine closed have shown a thriving frog population at Golden Cross.

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