22 March 2010
Submissions open for review of Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991

In August 2009, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Department of Conservation were directed by Ministers to complete a stocktake of public conservation areas listed in Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991. Schedule 4 restricts mineral-related activity in specified public conservation areas.

The stocktake has involved evaluating existing information on the mineral potential and conservation values of Schedule 4 listed areas via a desk-top mapping exercise. Tourism, recreation and cultural values have also been considered. No new studies of mineral potential have been undertaken.

Four main conclusions were reached from the stocktake:
• 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 stocktake has identified areas covering 7,058 hectares for potential removal from Schedule 4, and areas covering 12,400 hectares for addition to Schedule 4. No decisions have yet been made.

On 22 March 2010, the Government released a discussion document to seek public feedback on these areas, and a number of related policy initiatives.

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Tuesday, 4 May 2010.

Submissions open for review of Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act 1991.

Notice of Land Closure for All Permitting for Metallic Minerals and Coal.

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