Greens to review mining policy

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.

The Green Party will review its policy on mining after acknowledging the importance of the industry to the economy.

Greens co-leader Russel Norman told TV3's The Nation today the party would consider approving some mining, which he described as "part of life" for the country's economy.

"You can't escape it."

He said the party did not support new coal mines but "case by case" was unopposed to mining for other minerals.

"I mean obviously you've gotta look at the localised environmental impact of a particular mining operation," he said.

Mr Norman said a transition away from mining for fossil fuels needed to begin: "If we don't make that transition now it's going to be very expensive later".