1 September 2010

Straterra keen to help implement Energy Strategy

The minerals sector welcomes the draft New Zealand Energy Strategy and is keen to work with the Government on implementation, Straterra chief executive Chris Baker said today.

Mr Baker was commenting on the Ministry of Economic Development’s discussion document “Developing our energy potential”. Submissions closed on 2 September. Straterra’s submission is available on www.straterra.co.nz

“Prioritising energy resource development is sensible, as is the Government’s emphasis on a mix of energy sources to ensure affordability and supply. Both are an advance on the 2007 draft strategy. This can be done in an environmentally-responsible way. Energy efficiency is a key consideration for many businesses including the minerals industry,” Mr Baker said.

“There could be tension between meeting the renewable electricity generation target of 90 percent by 2025 and energy security and affordability, and it’s not clear from the document how this would be managed.”

“It’s also not clear how the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme will affect diversity of energy sources and security of supply. As matters stand, New Zealand will be leading the world on carbon prices and we have a way to go to ensure that impacts on the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries such as dairy processing are minimised. The review in 2011 will be an opportunity to sort this out, with the NZES in mind.”

“The coal sector is working with industry and Government in the New Zealand Carbon Capture and Storage partnership, and this is an important and complementary initiative to keep New Zealand’s options open.

“There is a clear case for partnership between the Government and industry in working to achieve the Government’s priorities. Straterra would welcome the opportunity to participate.”    

Media contact: Chris Baker 04 974 8672; 027 2406 754; chris.baker@straterra.co.nz 

Mining industry welcomes new Government initiatives

20 July 2010

The mining and resource sector today welcomed the Government’s decision to fund surveys of minerals potential of parts of Northland and the West Coast of the South Island.

CEO for Straterra, representing the resource sector, Chris Baker, said the decision to leave Schedule 4 unchanged means some protected land is not available for prospecting, however, the Government has sent a clear signal of support for the resource sector in New Zealand.

 “The resource sector has real potential in New Zealand, as is evidenced by current activity, and has always been able to pursue environmentally responsible development under the RMA and will continue to do that. Prospecting and exploration is complex and can carry big upfront costs  as mineral prospects are identified and developed, so we welcome the Government’s decision to fund  some of the baseline data gathering in Northland and the West Coast.  This investment should increase the attractiveness of these areas for prospecting.” Chris Baker said.

“We also welcome the Government’s decision to ensure that both environmental and economic objectives are properly considered by both the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Energy and Resources. Issues around economic, mineral and national significance need to be balanced in any mining proposal."

“The resource sector makes an important contribution to the economy and to local communities, and will continue to do that in an environmentally responsible way.  Developing the mineral potential for New Zealand is extremely important for our future and we will continue to work with the Government towards a more balanced debate for the benefit of all New Zealanders.”

Media contact: Chris Baker 04 974 8672; 027 2406 754; chris.baker@straterra.co.nz