Facts and views on mining in NZ

The recent debate on Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act - a zoning mechanism to lock up large tracts of land from prospecting, exploration and mining in NZ - has led to a largely one-sided protrayal of the resource sector in New Zealand. Straterra aims to promote well-infomed debate on the issues. Straterra believes mining in NZ and conservation can be compatible.

In these pages, Straterra discusses the main criticisms of NZ mining. These are that: Schedule 4 (and possibly other) lands are too precious to be dug up; mining makes a mess; doesn’t deliver economic benefits to New Zealand; it’s a one-off activity, so, not sustainable; and the New Zealand public does not want mining, not on Schedule 4 land, and, perhaps, not on any public conservation land.

1. NZ mining is a local issue

2. NZ mining is information intensive

3. Mining can enhance the NZ brand

4. NZ mining and conservation

5. Mining in NZ has a small footprint

6. Biosecurity is the real threat to conservation

7. Mining is difficult

8. NZ mining benefits the economy

9. NZ mining supports communities

10. Mining in NZ occurs under favourable conditions

11. Mining in NZ has a bright future