Review of Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act

Government Discussion Document on Schedule 4

In March 2010, the Government released a discussion document outlining potential to unlock some of New Zealand's mineral wealth following a stocktake of Schedule 4. Schedule 4 restricts mineral-related activity in specified public conservation areas. Submissions closed on 26 May 2010.

The four main conclusions reached from the stocktake are:

  • New Zealand is mineral rich and the environmentally responsible development of this potential is a very real possibility.
  • Much of the country's mineral potential is concentrated, often in public conservation areas with high conservation and cultural values.
  • The mineral potential of Schedule 4 lands could be developed with only a very small proportion of the land being directly impacted.
  • Information on New Zealand's mineral potential is limited and Government has a role to improve our knowledge of the mineral estate.

The discussion paper is available for download from the Ministry of Economic Development website.

Pike River Submission

Pike River is encouraged that the Government recognises that new mining on Crown land has the potential to boost economic growth and create jobs without adversely affecting the environment. We believe that mining operators will respect the need for balance between recognizing the high economic worth of the natural resources industry and protecting New Zealand's strong environmental values. 

Download the Pike River submission (1.5mb)

Pike River encouraged its investors to participate in the debate around the New Zealand Government's proposal. 

Download the letter mailed to investors:

Useful links: