The Department of Conservation is against a resource consent application for a new gold mine on the West Coast near Hokitika.
The application was filed by the Westco Lagan timber company, which wants to diversify its business.
DoC says the proposed mining operation is on land potentially contaminated with toxic substances from previous timber milling operations.
It says the company needs to assess the site at Ruatapu, south of Hokitika, for toxins. If any are found, it needs to explain how it will mitigate their effects.
Westco Lagan owner DeanSweetman says surveys at the site show any contamination is no threat to human health.
