The Volvo R100E trucks had 'lower noise, lower emissions and have corresponding relatively high fuel efficiency'. The mining firm planned to use 105-tonne dump trucks to move overburden, or surface material, rather than conventional 60-tonne trucks. 'It’s the most modern alluvial gold dredge in New Zealand and we are very happy to have it.' 'Using the floating plant as opposed to land-based plant saves on 80,000 truck movements, reducing the CO2 footprint of gold production,' Mr Hawkeswood said. It weighed 270 tonnes and took 35 truck-and-trailer loads to get it from Waikaia to Millers Flat. Hawkeswood Mining acquired the dredge from Waikaia Gold. Such technology could bring down the operating life of the mine from an estimated 14 years to five. Mr Hawkeswood said the alluvial gold mine, if approved, would be a low-emissions operation, because of a floating dredge and large dump trucks. Hawkeswood Mining managing director Andrew Hawkeswood said he was 'over the moon' when told the application for a minerals mining permit from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals had been successful.

However, resource consents have yet to be gained for the project at Millers Flat. PHOTOS: SUPPLIEDA proposed gold mine in Central Otago has taken a significant step forward by obtaining a mining permit, the company’s proprietor says.

Using a floating dredge at a proposed gold mine in Millers Flat would significantly reduce the number of truck movements needed, Hawkeswood Mining says.

Modern gold dredge