Resources Minister Shane Jones has unveiled an ambitious draft strategy aimed at transforming New Zealand’s mineral mining sector. The plan, developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, sets a target to double the sector’s export value to $2 billion by 2035 and increase regional jobs from 5000 to 7000.
The strategy includes identifying key areas for mining, such as heavy mineral sands in the Bay of Plenty and West Coast, rare earths off the West Coast, lithium in Northland and Waikato, and more. Jones emphasized the importance of maximizing New Zealand’s mineral resources while also benefiting the environment and communities.
In a speech delivered in Blackball on the West Coast, Jones highlighted mining as a potential vehicle for the country’s transformation. He argued that relying on other countries for mineral resources was risky and unreliable, calling for a shift in perception towards domestic resource utilization.
While the draft strategy was welcomed by ACT’s Resources spokesperson Simon Court, Labour’s climate change spokesperson Megan Woods voiced concerns over the future of coal mining and its impact on the environment. Woods emphasized the need to transition away from fossil fuels and questioned the sustainability of coal mining in the long run.
Overall, the draft strategy aims to unlock New Zealand’s vast mineral potential, create more jobs in regional areas, and stimulate economic growth while balancing environmental considerations. The debate around mineral mining is likely to intensify as stakeholders weigh the economic benefits against environmental impacts in the coming years.
