A protest by environmental groups in Waihi today didn’t stop Resources Minister Shane Jones from revealing his new mining strategy.
Jones announced today that metallurgical coal and gold were being added to the list of minerals critical for economic growth. The list now covers 37 minerals following a consultation period that was started in September last year.
Today’s announcement was part of the Government’s promise to double the value of exports to $3 billion over the next 10 years – up from the previous government’s target of $2 billion.
“I’ve spoken at length about how a lack of long-term strategic direction has hindered this country in reaping the economic and security benefits our natural resources present,” Jones said. “I am delighted to say that that ends now.”
Jones was met by protestors in Waihi today as he spoke to miners, and he was late for his speech because they had blocked a bus from getting through. RNZ reported Jones was not on the bus.
Conservation groups and industry greet Shane Jones’ priorities for the extraction of minerals. (Source: 1News)
Once in his stride however, Jones said the two minerals made up 80% of New Zealand’s mineral exports and generated revenue of around $1.2 billion in the year to June 2023.
“Simply put, New Zealand wouldn’t have the skills, machinery, resources, and capability to support a modern and responsible mining sector without them,” Jones said.
“With the increasing demand and volatility in international markets, I want New Zealand to contribute to the growing critical minerals market as a trusted and reliable partner, particularly where we can support global mineral supply chains of minerals necessary for clean energy technologies.”
The announcement came the day after the Government set a new climate target, aiming to reduce emissions by 51% to 55% compared to 2005 levels by 2035.
‘Filthy fossil fuel’ — Forest & Bird
Jones’ announcement was blasted by environmental groups, who labelled it as a “backwards step”.
“It’s hard to believe just how out of touch the New Zealand Government is on this. Coal is the filthiest fossil fuel. Burning it is destroying the climate,” Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki said.
“The science and economics are clear: Get out of coal mining as quickly as you can. The government is rushing blindly in the wrong direction with these plans to massively expand opencast coal mines on public conservation land.
“This is a double blow for New Zealanders. Coal mining will mean greater emissions that everyone else has to pay for. It will also destroy conservation land that is home to some of our 4,000 threatened species, including kiwi.”
Catherine Delahunty from Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki – a group that was part of the protest – said about the Government’s plans: “The time for this kind of drill baby drill approach is over; we’re not in the 19th century.
“We’re in the 21st, and we’re facing some major environmental challenges.”
Industry: ‘It’s great to see this Govt is listening’
Mining industry group Straterra, on the other hand, praised Jones’ announcement.
“It is great to see this Government listening to the mining sector and showing a clear understanding of its value to the economy in terms of jobs and investment in communities, as well as export earnings,” Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal said.
“Mining is an integral part of our productive economy and with the Government’s approach to removing unnecessary red tape for businesses, as well as enabling overseas investment in capital intensive industries such as mining, we are optimistic we can kick the goal of doubling mining exports by 2035 right out of the park.”
