Anti-seabed mining rhetoric unfounded

Recent opinion pieces from Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM), Greenpeace, and Debbie Ngawera-Packer opposing TransTasman Resources’ consent application to mine iron ore from the South Taranaki Bight beggar belief.

This rhetoric by opponents to seabed mining is unfounded and has no factual evidence to support their personal views.

In all regards, from the very outset, Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) has engaged with the community, iwi, and other interested parties who, for various reasons, oppose seabed mining.

It has always been accepted that opponents of seabed mining have a right to express their views.

However, mostly, these views have bordered on personal attacks and undermining the credibility of Mr Eggers.

Opponents to seabed mining, when confronted with expert evidence and research-based facts in the courts, turn to being activists in order to spread misinformation and unqualified statements to support their cause.

The court process to obtain mining permits has been a long and at times very arduous road; however, the end is nigh.

It is expected that the Supreme Court will deliver its judgment in the coming months, a judgment that will be determined on the facts presented and in accordance with the laws of the land.

I am Taranaki born and bred and I love my province.

Over a 30+ year period I have employed hundreds of people in various businesses in our region and it pains me to see our economic progress being undermined by political decisions and activists that run deep in our communities and affect the livelihoods of our people.

So, when a new industry opportunity is presented to develop a world-class mining operation that will bring economic prosperity to our region, with over 1600 direct and indirect jobs created in Taranaki and around New Zealand, and generating over $1b in export receipts, we should be thankful that people like Alan Eggers and other shareholders, many of whom reside in the Taranaki region, are investing in our region’s future.

And before I smell the vanadium on the activist’s breath, yes, this is factual and based on independent reports from expert consultants as presented to the courts.

TTR’s investment to set up the mining operation runs into hundreds of millions.

Key minerals extracted from the seabed are used in, amongst many industries, electric vehicle battery manufacturing, improved steel fabrication for construction in earthquake-prone countries, and in everyday life where titanium is used in surgical procedures such as knee and hip replacements.

The global demand for such minerals is massive and TTR’s permitted area within New Zealand’s EEZ is considered one of the most valuable iron ore deposits globally, with expert metallurgical testing confirming the export potential and its fullterm extraction value.

In summary, to all opponents and activists to seabed mining, you have spoken; however, your continued personal attacks have been unfounded and unnecessary.

To correct the misinformation and statements made in various opinion pieces, and to provide factual background, Alan Eggers is a very experienced and respected businessman throughout Australasia with significant business interests in the Nelson region.

Alan is a New Zealander who resides in both New Zealand and Australia.

Trans-Tasman Resources Limited is a New Zealand-incorporated company with its shareholders spread across the globe.

The facts are the facts, and the law is the law.

TTR’s statements all stand as published.

Disclaimer: I am one of TransTasman Resources’ largest independent shareholders and have an appointed board seat.