Submission Provides Overwhelming Case Against Gold-Mining in Coromandel

Environmental group Coromandel Watchdog says that its indepth submission on the proposal to remove thousands of hectares of the Coromandel Peninsula from protection under Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act provides an overwhelming case for retaining current levels of protection.

“This authoritative review draws upon extensive evidence commissioned around the Coromandel Peninsula, including the most recent information published by national and local government agencies,” says Coromandel Watchdog spokesperson John Drummond. “Its compilation has strengthened the already compelling case against gold-mining in Coromandel to overwhelming.”

“The conservation values of the nine Coromandel areas proposed for removal from Schedule 4 are far too high to justify their removal. Gold mining in these areas is not compatible with their core value or with sustainable development of our environment, economy, and our communities on the Coromandel.”

“The steep erosion-prone geography of the Coromandel Peninsula and its exposure to cyclonic rain events make it particularly vulnerable to impacts from gold-mining operations. The considered views of the professionals whose work we draw on in our submission are far more authoritative than the flimsy assertions of a few people with vested interests who are promoting the lifting of Schedule 4 protection.”

“ We already have two recent cases of gold-mining disasters at Te Aroha and Waitekauri. It is outrageous that Peninsula residents should again be exposed to the threat of mining at a Ministerial whim.” Mr Drummond said.

“Watchdog and its thousands of supporters not only reject categorically any lifting of Schedule 4 protection under the Crown Minerals Act, but also call upon Parliament to permanently protect these lands by an amendment to the Act that would prevent Schedule 4 protection from being lifted.”

For further information, see: www.watchdog.org.nz

ENDS

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