New Zealand Refuses Marine Mining Proposal

New Zealand’s EPA Decision-making Committee announced it has refused consent to the application by Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd for a marine consent for its iron sand mining project in the South Taranaki Bight.

The Committee said the major reason for its decision was uncertainty around the scope and significance of the potential adverse environmental effects, and those on existing interests (such as the Fishing Interests and Iwi). It was not satisfied that the life-supporting capacity of the environment would be safeguarded or that the adverse effects of the proposal could be avoided, remedied or mitigated, given the uncertainty and inadequacy of the information presented.

The application for a marine consent was the first to be processed by the EPA under the new Exclusive Economic Zone legislation which took effect in June last year.

The committee received 4,850 submissions and held hearings in Wellington, Hamilton, Whanganui, Pariroa Marae (Hawera) and New Plymouth during the course of the 25-day hearing.

There is a 15-working day period for the lodgement of any appeals to the High Court which can be made on points of law only.