3-AD006.00 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WAIHI NORTH PROJECT Oceana Gold New Zealand Limited WSP June 2022 41 supportive or very supportive of the mine expansion of the mine. The intercept business survey gathered data from a range of businesses operating within the local area. The majority of the respondents (92.6%) were small businesses with 10 or less employees, and 71.4% stated that 0-10% of their business was attributed to the presence of the mine. More than half (52.2%) of businesses surveyed stated that the extension of mining operations to 2038 would have a minor effect or no effect at all on their business. In response to a potential increase demand for goods and services to support the WNP, the majority of respondents (76.2%) stated they would either continue as is but shift more of their business towards meeting this demand, or they would actively focus on investment and increase staffing levels to specifically meet this demand. Businesses surveyed anticipated staff would either come from Waihi Town (40%) or the region (60%). The majority (67%) of businesses surveyed stated the project would have a positive effect on the local economy. Most of the respondents to the Maptionnaire survey stated that both the current and proposed mining operations in Waihi have a major positive effect in respect of economic benefits including employment, business revenue, and local economic development. OGNZL workforce requirements show that the WNP is anticipated to result in indirect employment. Indirect employment refers to jobs generated from the purchase of goods and services from suppliers and jobs within the wider economy.. It has been estimated that the indirect labour associated with the proposed project is an average of 1059 FTEs over the life of the project (20232038) (Appendix D). The social effects of business growth, increased employment opportunities and economic spend in the local area are improved quality of life at both an individual, family and community level. Amid the COVID-19 disruptions, the mine currently is insulating the local economy (Economic Assessment, 2022) and the proposed expansion represents a significant long-term investment that will provide social upliftment and enhanced wellbeing. Continued mining represents economic stability and will contribute to creating a thriving and prosperous community. Impact Description: During the construction and operational phase (2023-2036) the WNP will have a positive effect on the local, regional and national economy, resulting in increased business activity. The project is forecasted to provide significant indirect employment opportunities. Indirect labour peaks at the height of construction in 2024 and 2025 at 1897 FTEs and 1551 FTEs respectively. A second labour peak occurs during the operational phase, where indirect labour numbers are forecasted as 1539 FTEs in 2031 and 1471 FTEs in 2032 (Appendix D). Impact Statement The resultant improved quality of life and enhanced economic growth and employment will be most significant at a local and regional level. This social upliftment will be experienced over a medium term (15 years) and will affect the wider community. The probability of this impact taking place is considered likely, resulting in an overall assessment of high (positive) significance. Mitigation: Not applicable.
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