Crown rejects Black Sand exploration bid

The Crown has turned down a bid to explore mineral-rich iron sands deposits along the west coast of the North Island.

Australian-based company Black Sand Exploration had sought an exploration permit for 3617sq km starting from the low-tide mark to 18km offshore along the coast from New Plymouth to Kaipara Harbour. The company also wanted an offshore area north of Wanganui.

But yesterday the Crown Minerals group in the Ministry of Energy said Black Sand failed at the first test in the process of getting a permit.