November 20, 2012
Hapū alarmed at mercury threat from mining
A Ngāpuhi hapū is challenging proposals to mine in the hills north of Whangarei.
Ngāti Hau says the Puhipuhi hills near Whakapara have a layer of mercury, and disturbing it could pollute groundwater rivers and streams.
Newmont Mining, which has the Waihi mine, got an exploration permit in 2009 which it has on-sold to Australian company De Grey Mining.
De Grey says it’s an excellent acquisition because of good prospects of gold and silver and strong government support for mining.
Ngāti Hau and Puhipuhi Mining Action Group are holding a meeting at Whakapara tomorrow to air their concerns.
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