Mining lobby 'heartened' by response to Govt plans

The entrance to the Pike River coal mine on the South Island West Coast. Photo / Greg Bowker

A mining industry lobby group says its "heartened by the positive feedback" it is getting from the New Zealand public on the Government's latest plan to extend mining into previously protected conservation areas.

And it is urging people not to get hung up on the exact value of minerals in different parts of the country, saying its true potential needs to be first explored.

Apparent differences in the estimated mineral wealth of Great Barrier Island have been highlighted this week, with one geologist report putting value at $1.28 billion, much less than the $4.3 billion quoted by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Mining industry group Straterra said mineral resources had the capacity to significantly improve the standard of living of all New Zealanders, despite varying reports of its worth.

"The debate is not about whether it's one or four billion. It's about the fact that there is potential and that we should understand the potential because it may lead to development of a project in one place or another," Straterra acting chief executive Chris Baker said.

Baker acknowledged the Government's proposal had sparked an emotive debate and he encouraged all New Zealanders to contribute to the discussion.

However New Zealanders needed more information to get a handle on in ground values and how they would translate over time to project value.

Baker said he was confident whatever decision the Government made, it would strike a balance between economic opportunities and environmental responsibilities, despite suggestions from some quarters that its mind was made up.

Proposals to remove 7058 hectares of conservation land from the protection of schedule four of the Crown Minerals Act so it can be mined for valuable rare minerals, has prompted an outcry from opposition parties who say New Zealand's reputation will be damaged and tourism will suffer.

Baker said an overwhelming majority of people who had been in touch with him had welcomed the initiative.

"Many have called this a bold move by the Government and one that is long overdue."

"Some have been opposed to any extension of mining, regardless of where it is carried out and we expected that."

"But all those who are enthusiastic about the initiative recognise that the proper development of the country's, and ultimately their mineral resources, has the capacity to significantly improve the standard of living of all New Zealanders."

Minerals Industry Association chief executive Doug Gordon also urged people not to get hung up on varying reports of mineral worth on Great Barrier Island.

"There's certainly a worth that is indicative to the government that an underground operation could be mounted with public support," he said.

Uppermost in the Government's mind should be its environmental responsibilities and job opportunities that would be created as a result, he said.

Edward Gay