July 30, 2013
Ministry warned on Kaikoura platinum plan
The Kaikoura District Council has told the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment it needs to talk to Ngāi Tahu if it wants to open up parts of its territory for platinum mining.
A competitive tender for exploration licenses in four South Island regions is expected to open later this year, with permits awarded in 2014.
While the ministry’s New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals division doesn’t have to consult with the councils, they do have to consult with iwi and hapū.
The council says since the proposed licence territory could include the culturally significant mountain Tapuae ō Uenuku, the ministry needs to talk to Ngāi Tahu and Te Rūnanga ō Kaikoura.
The iwi has in the past indicated it would object to mining on the maunga.
Prospecting in the Kaikoura district also requires resource consent.
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