Mineral bid seen as goldmine for region

HAYLEY GALE AND HELEN MURDOCH

Successful mineral exploration would transform Golden Bay's economy and improve knowledge of the region's mineral resources, say mining advocates.

But green opponents said the rush to find fossil fuels risked the country's pristine areas and its clean-green marketing brand.

They questioned why New Zealand accepted exploration applications for national parks where mining was banned.

Chinese-backed Australian company Greywolf Goldmining NL has applied for oil exploration permits around the coastlines of Abel Tasman and Kahurangi national parks, the Farewell Spit Nature Reserve, and the Westhaven and Tonga Island marine reserves.

It has applied for coal prospecting permits in Kahurangi National Park from the Heaphy River north, including parts of the Heaphy Track, and up to Farewell Spit. The company applied for a second permit last week off the West Coast between Greymouth and Westport.

Forest and Bird conservation advocate Quentin Duthie said the applications threatened a repeat of last year's backlash over the Government's proposed mining of the conservation estate.

"The Government has the ability to say no to the applications now and end the problem."

Environment minister and Nelson MP Nick Smith said he did not know the detail of the exploration applications but he opposed negative kneejerk reactions which hindered the development of the country's mineral resources.

"I urge people to make their judgments on the basis of detailed applications. For me it is all about where, what and, most importantly, the proper assessment of environmental effects."

The Government had taken steps to ensure a repeat of the Gulf of Mexico oil tragedy did not happened here, he said.

Dr Smith said mining was banned on Schedule 4 land, which included national parks, marine reserves and wilderness and ecological areas.

Green Party MP Kevin Hague said he was totally opposed to Greywolf's oil, coal and gas drilling and mining plans for Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman region. There was a significant local industry centred on outdoor tourism which could be threatened by mining and drilling of fossil fuels.

West Coast Tasman MP Chris Auchinvole said he was a strong advocate of modern mining with due regard given to the environment and regulations.

Golden Bay had a rich history of mining. "I'm sure there are differing views in Golden Bay but many are proud of the mining history and the gains from it."

Tourism operator Darryl Wilson, of Abel Tasman Wilsons, said exploration was one thing. "But commercial extraction is another. We have seen exploration before which has come to nothing. I'll start to get really interested if they find anything and begin the extraction consent process."

Forest and Bird top of the south field officer Debs Martin said the Golden Bay application areas were wild untouched wildlife refuges and much loved by locals and tourists. The community and iwi fought off a company intent on mining Golden Bay's seabed in 2006. "We will fight off this company too."

The Abel Tasman National Park generated $45 million annually for the local economy, she said.

Minerals West Coast manager Peter O'Sullivan said sensible exploration was good. Mining generated an enormous amount to the national economy. Operations in a remote community like Golden Bay would create a massive boom for the economy.

"It costs an enormous amount to set up and establish mining operations. But once they are established the rewards are huge."

Mr O'Sullivan said one-third of the West Coast's 32,000 strong population based its income from mining which returned $550 million to the economy annually.

Greywolf is also interested in developing Port Tarakohe.

Tarakohe harbour manager Allan Kilgour said he was approached "almost once a week" by companies wanting to develop or buy the port and he had met representatives from Greywolf twice. He said although the permit area extended from the Abel Tasman National Park coastline, there was "no way" that the company would consider drilling close to the national park.

- © Fairfax NZ News