The Resources Minister says a setback for expansion of the country's largest gold mine could result in the loss of up to a thousand jobs. 

Central Otago's Macraes gold mine applied for a permit under the Wildlife Act to clear vegetation on its site in a bid to expand its operation.  

Last month the Department of Conservation declined it, stating the company hadn't made clear how it would relocate more than 10 thousand lizards. 

Shane Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan the lizards are as common as acne on a teenager.  

He says they're scattered throughout Otago, and farmers don't need special permits when carrying out work on their land. 

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