Northland exploration a positive step to develop resources

13 June 2013

Awarding Northland exploration permits a positive step for developing resources - Straterra

Straterra, the representative body for the mining and minerals industry, welcomes the awarding of the Northland permits, taking New Zealand a step forward in developing our natural resources.

Straterra Chief Executive Officer, Chris Baker, was responding to the Minister of Energy and Resources, Hon Simon Bridges’ announcement today that five exploration permits have been offered to three companies – Tai Tokerau Minerals Limited, Waimatenui Exploration Limited and De Grey Mining Limited.

“It’s a strong vote of confidence in New Zealand as an investment destination by these exploration companies during tough economic times,” Mr Baker says.

“To find and start a mine is very difficult. Exploration is the early part of a long process that can take years to assess whether or not an economic ore deposit exists and if mining is actually viable.

“If one mine operation in Northland results from this work, we would be delighted. That would create years of jobs directly and indirectly in Northland. That can only be good news for New Zealand regionally and nationally,” Mr Baker says.

Exploration takes place over large areas and has very low environmental impact while adding greatly to New Zealand’s knowledge of its mineral resources. Most of the jobs and value from exploration stay in New Zealand.

www.straterra.co.nz

ENDS

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