9 July 2013

Govt breaks promise over Schedule 4 mining permit

The Government has broken its promise not to allow mining on Schedule 4 land, the Green Party said today.

In April 2013 Energy Minister Simon Bridges said, “I do not think there is any ambiguity in our policy. Let me say again that we have a very clear view against mining on schedule 4 land.” Yet he has recently granted an 18 hectare mining permit which includes 3 hectares of Schedule 4 land.

“Simon Bridges is misleading the public in order to advance the National Government’s mining agenda against the public’s wishes,” said Green Party mining spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.

“The Government is eroding protections for Schedule 4 against their word and against the wishes of the public.

“The granting of this permit over an area of Schedule 4 sets a dangerous precedent for larger mining companies to pressure the Government for access to more of our most precious conservation land.”

Ms Delahunty said the permit was granted to Broken Hills Mining Company which has been operating a 5 hectare “hobby” mine. The company now wants to expand to 23 hectares approximately 5 of which are on Schedule 4 conservation land.

“This no longer qualifies as a “hobby” mine, and clearly is a business. The company sends its ore to Waihi for processing by Newmont,” said Ms Delahunty.

“We don’t have issues with Broken Hills improving safety in their mine, but it is unclear why the company need permission to access an additional 3 hectares of Schedule 4 land to do it.

“The Government shouldn’t allow Broken Hills to expand their mine to more than 4 times its size if it means going into Schedule 4 land.

“In 2010, 40,000 people marched to protect the treasured places protected in Schedule 4. The Government should honour its promise and stop granting mining permits on Schedule 4 land.”

ENDS

Reference:
Mining permit granted by the Govt over Schedule 4 land (enter 53173 in the ‘permit number’ search bar): http://www.nzpam.govt.nz/cms/online-services/current-permits/banner_template/CMINPSCURR

Map of mining permit granted over Schedule 4 land (green areas with red hatching indicate the permit areas on Schedule 4 land, white areas with red hatching indicate permit areas on non-schedule 4 land): http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/map_of_broken_hills_mining_permit.jpg

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