Otago vineyard owner warns gold mine threatens pinot noir reputation

A proposed gold mine in Otago could damage the region's reputation for world-class pinot noir, according to a vineyard owner. Hayden Johnston, owner of Canyon Vineyard, told a fast-track panel that the Bendigo-Ophir project by Santana Minerals would harm the landscape and customer demand, deeming viticulture and mining incompatible. Santana Minerals maintains the industries can coexist and is committed to community engagement, while residents also fear a catastrophic failure of the proposed tailings dam.