Rio Tinto is refusing to acknowledge a handshake deal it made with the Gore District Council to remove toxic waste from the Southland town of Mataura.
The company reiterated in a statement yesterday the owner of the premix material stored in the town's old paper mill is now the New Zealand Government's.
Rio Tinto says they will still provide $1.75 million to help fund the removal and disposal of the hazardous waste.
Residents want the waste removed as does the Mayor of Gore, Tracy Hicks.
He speaks to Corin Dann.
Rio Tinto declined to be interviewed on Morning Report.
