Media Release

26-03-2012

Coromandel Gives Newmont Message: No More Mining

Coromandel communities are in protesting in Waihi today outside Newmont Golds' Waihi Office opposing expansion of gold mining on the peninsula.

Coromandel Peninsula communites are today taking a message to Newmont Gold and other mining companies that they are not welcome to explore for or mine minerals on the Coromandel Peninsula.

"Newmont and other mining or exploration companies have been granted exploration or prospecting permits for minerals over the entire peninsula. There is no consultation with the community during this process so we are taking our message to them," said Coromandel Watchdog Coordinator Renee Annan.

Ms Annan said that the permits cover a variety of private, crown and conservation land (including Schedule 4), as well as the firth of Thames and there is an application for the Coromandel Harbour. The permits currently stretch from Kuaotunu down past Waihi.

"Our communities are facing a repeat of the 1980s with the whole peninsula, including Schedule 4 land under threat once again."

"Exploration is a huge threat and the process post exploration becomes very expensive to get our voices heard, so it is important to stop them now," saind Ms Annan. "Waihi residents adjacent to the Martha pit or living above the underground and proposed underground mines are also facing further expansion by Newmont, meaning more vibration, noise, dust and loss of property values. We hope our protest offers some solidarity to the people living with the effects of mining every day."

Ms Annan spoke alongside Catherine Delahunty MP, Kauaeranga Valley resident Jeanette Fitsimons and Waihi's Collette Spalding to a large group of 100 representatives from communities from Matarangi to Opoutere. Residents from some of the threatened areas presented a declaration to the Newmont office in which residents declare their committment to opposing all industrial scale mining activity in their area.

"Our action today has sent a clear message to Newmont, other mining companies, and our government: Coromandel is too precious to mine!"

Ends

Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki
protecting the Coromandel Peninsula from mining
www.watchdog.org.nz

C

© Scoop Media