FMC says some places are too precious to mine

The Government has announced a plan to allow mining on public conservation land currently protected by Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act.

Schedule 4 lists New Zealand’s most special places – including national parks and wilderness area – which have been protected from mining since 1997. FMC strongly opposes the Government’s proposal, which fundamentally undermines the intergrity of both national parks and Schedule 4 itself. See below for further background information.

Submissions close 26 May

FMC urges all clubs, members and outdoor enthusiasts to submit opposing the proposal to allow mining in Schedule 4 lands. We have produced a submission guide to assist you, and our 13 April special newsletter explains the issue further. Submissions close 26 May.

2precious2mine website created

FMC has funded the creation of a website for the campaign where you can learn more and have your say.

Post-a-photo to the PM

FMC is urging people to send a photo (digital or print) of their favourite outdoors spot to the Prime Minister or Minister of Conservation with a simple, powerful and personal message telling the politicians that you are opposed to mining on Schedule 4 land. FMC has written an official letter to the Prime Minister.

Press releases Mining in Mt Aspiring National Park (30/11/09)

23 March 2010 Govt mining plan is death by a thousand cuts! [PDF]

30 November 2009 FMC opposes proposal to mine in Mt Aspiring National Park

Further background

The Government is assessing the mining potential of national parks, wilderness areas and other core conservation lands. These lands are currently off-limits to mining, protected by Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act. Fortunately, the law requires consultation before any changes to Schedule 4 are made.

The Government is also looking at ways to make access to other public conservation land (including Conservation and Forest Parks) for mining even easier than it currently is. This is despite the fact that access applications are almost always granted, and follow a privileged process unlike all other concession.

The Government has also indicated it will prioritise mining in the classifcation and re-classification of conservation land. The Minister of Conservation’s 2009 decision to exclude the most ecologically-valuable and publically-accessible part of the Hawkdun area from the Oteake Conservation Park boundaries because it sits on a lignite deposit, illustrates the Government’s intentions.

FMC will not stand for these threats to the public conservation estate that we have fought so hard for for decades and treasure so dearly.

For more information, and to have your say, see 2precious2mine.org.nz.

The inevitable environmental impact of mining

OceanaGold’s GlobeProgress gold mine in Victoria Conservation Park near Reefton. It is an example of a modern mine – it has only been in operation a few years. It has been fined for polluting a local stream 15 times, and pleaded guilty in the Environment Court.

Tramping tracks pass near this mine and its massive tailings dam. The local Tramping Club reports that DoC has had to close sections of their track to accommodate the needs of the mine.  The photos tell their own story !