In defence of mining’s approach to environment

YOUR article ‘‘Fears over call to relax mining rules in area’’ (ODT, 13.4.19) shows a lack of understanding of how mining applications are managed, and the environment safeguards that are already in place for any mining activity.

Any application to prospect or mine faces a raft of processes under the Crown Minerals Act, the Resource Management Act, health and safety and other relevant legislation, as well as any conditions agreed with the land owner.

With all these safeguards in place, environmental management is core business for mining companies, as it should be. No new development can proceed without these permits and consents — and this regime is widely considered to be worldclass in terms of how the environmental impact and rehabilitation of mining is managed. This is the status quo that in no way could be referred to as a relaxing of mining rules!

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s planning must consider the social, economic and environmental benefits a mine development may bring. Minerals, including gold, are vital to the way we live — in homes, food production, transport and infrastructure, at work and play. The minerals we use in New Zealand must be either mined or recycled, in New Zealand or abroad. If that mining happens abroad, the chances are the same environment safeguards in place here in Aotearoa will be absent.

Chris Baker Straterra chief executive

War memorials

GERALD Cunningham pointed out (ODT, 17.4.19) that several war memorials in Central Otago carry incorrect names and that the relevant councils have shown little interest in correcting them.

Over 201314, Ron Palenski researched the names on the Soldiers’ Memorial on Otago Peninsula and similarly found many mistakes.

He corrected them and we organised a new plaque for the memorial as a Rotary project.

Perhaps Mr Cunningham could consider a similar solution, working with other Rotary clubs.

Jo Morshuis Dunedin South Rotary Club

copresident