Latest from Minerals

Rulings shatter Rio Tinto's illusion of innocence
It looks as if Rio Tinto knew six months ago there was evidence its staff in Beijing were guilty.

Mining on DoC land puts sides at loggerheads
As the Government pushes ahead with plans to open up conservation land for mining, Isaac Davison finds the combination is already causing trouble in the Bay of Plenty.

<i>John Roughan:</i> Coromandel can bear more mining
John Roughan writes that the Coromandel peninsula's beauty is not exceptional and doesn't warrant particular protection.

<i>Jim Hopkins:</i> Be open - modern mining isn't the pits
Jim Hopkins writes that our memories go into cliche mode when politicians mention the digging of large holes.

Jobs vital, but is mining a solution?
The lure of up to $4.3bn worth of gold and silver the Govt says is sitting in the hills is hard to ignore for some Great Barrier residents.

<i>Robyn Malcolm:</i> NZ image about to be gutted 'surgically'
The Government's draconian plans for our National Parks seem like something from another age, out of step with the rest of the world.

<i>Fran O'Sullivan</i>: Our future as oil sheikhs of Pacific
If Govt projections over our petroleum sector bear fruit, NZ could be the oil sheikhs of the Pacific, writes Fran O'Sullivan.

Excavation jars with pure image: expert
NZ should be prepared for international criticism for its plan to open conservation land to mining, a tourism expert says.

Great Barrier locals at odds over mining plan
Some Great Barrier locals say mining will destroy the island's "fragile" environment, while others say the jobs created will be a blessing.

Mining resources could grow economy - Business NZ
Business leaders have urged Kiwis to take a rational approach to the debate over the Government's proposed plans to open conservation land up to mining.

Govt plans to open 7000h of conservation land to mining
The Government is proposing to open up more than 7000 hectares of conservation land for mining on Coromandel, and Paparoa National Park on the West Coast.

Govt will justify mining by protecting other land - Forest & Bird
The Govt will try to justify mining in conservation land by putting other areas into protection when it announces its plans at 3pm, says Forest & Bird.

Inquiries launched into leaked Cabinet info
The State Services Commission has launched inquiries into the unauthorised release of Government information including a Cabinet paper on the stocktake of Crown minerals.