Huntly mine owners welcome minister’s proposed changes
The operators of Huntly’s Rotowaro mine have welcomed proposed Resource Management Act changes that will “put coal mining on the same regulatory footing as all other mining”.
Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced changes to the Resource Management Act that he said would align consenting for coal mining with other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development.
Chief executive of Rotowaro operators Bathurst Resources, Richard Tacon, said the changes would “put coal mining on the same footing as any other mining or quarrying activity”.
“Which makes sense because the environmental effects of all activities are similar ... and the methods of managing those effects to meet the high standards that society expects are similar or the same”.
He said the moves “simply put coal mining on the same regulatory footing as all other mining or quarrying, which we think is difficult to argue against”.
However, Tacon didn’t believe the changes would lead to increased production. “This is not about expanding production; it is about continuing to supply coal to customers, for as long as they need coal during any transition they may have away from coal,” he said.
“To be able to continue to operate at Maramarua and Rotowaro mines will require changes to, renewals of or applications for resource consents under the RMA. This was previously a normal process under the RMA that was removed by the previous government.
“We will be able to continue employing our people into the future, while produing coal for steel-making. Steel is a critical product that is required now and into the future including in any transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Straterra, the industry association representing the New Zealand minerals and mining sector, also welcomed the changes.
“The announcement by Resources Minister Shane Jones was music to our ears and a good sign the Government has been listening to reason from the mining industry,” said chief executive Josie Vidal.
“There is still a need for coal, both in New Zealand and globally. Until there are affordable, accessible, readily available alternatives, supply must remain. If domestic supply is cut off, we will be importing coal.
“It is important to note that mining in New Zealand is done to the highest standards of health and safety, with well-regulated employment conditions, and stringent environmental protections. This is not the case everywhere in the world.
“In New Zealand, coal is used in food production, for energy security, and industrial production, such as for steel.”
Forest & Bird, however, criticised the move, saying the proposal to increase environmentally destructive coal mining in wetlands and areas of significant biodiversity showed a flagrant disregard for nature and a safe climate.