Newmont Waihi Gold is a step closer to constructing a new underground mine in Waihi.
The Environment Court has indicated it intends to approve the necessary consents the company needs to build and operate the mine.
Five parties, including residents, iwi, and a ratepayers group appealed to the Environment Court after resource consent for the mine was originally granted by the Hauraki District Council.
Those groups have reached an agreement with the company, and consent has been approved by the court.
Potential objectors now have seven working days to appeal against the court's decsision.
If there are no objections, the company's general manager Glen Grindlay says it is likely consent will be granted when the appeal period ends next Friday.
He says if the mine goes ahead it will produce about 600,000 ounces of gold over the 12 years the licence is valid.
