Toby Adams: Hauraki District mayor on the new mining project that got approved - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Huge benefits for the Hauraki District - as a major mining project gets the green light to expand operations.

The Government's granted fast track approval for Waihi North to expand its operations in Hauraki District until 2043.

Resources Minister Shane Jones estimates it'll generate an additional $5.2 billion dollars from gold and silver exports across its 18-year life.

Hauraki District mayor Toby Adams says this will bring a lot of economic wealth into the region - beyond just gold and silver profits.

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