MEDIA RELEASE: Good news for the sea - mining consent refused
FROM: Climate Justice Taranaki
DATE: 11th February 2015

"We are relieved that the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has refused an application by Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (CRP) for a marine consent to mine phosphorite nodules on the Chatham Rise" says member of Climate Justice Taranaki and submitter Urs Signer.

"This is a victory for the oceans and all its inhabitants. There is no place for phosphate mining of seabeds as part of a sustainable future for agriculture. Farming needs to work within the natural limits of local resources and be non-polluting of the environment. Phosphates and urea harm waterways, soils and contribute to climate change."

"We are now focusing on opposing the next marine consent application by Shell Todd Oil Services (STOS) for further drilling on the Maui platforms off the Taranaki coast. Submissions close on 24th February. If granted, the consent would enable STOS to drill 22 new side-tracked wells and continue gas extraction and production for another 35 years" concludes Urs Signer.

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