August 05, 2018
Seabed mining company drops West Coast prospect
Kiwis Against Seabed Mining is welcoming the decision by Trans Tasman Resources to give up its permit to explore a 4435 square kilometre section of the seabed off the West Coast from Karamea to Ross.
Chair Cindy Baxter says the Australian-owned company is struggling to get its operation off the south Taranaki coast through the appeal process.
It faces strong opposition from a coalition of iwi, Te Ohu Kaimoana, fishing companies, environmental groups and local conservation boards.
"It’s a 4000 square kilometre chunk right down the coastline. This is where you've got Hector's dolphins, fur seals, very good fisheries, all the seabirds, so it's quite a significant chunk which we're very pleased about really. It's great that they have let it go," Ms Baxter says as well as the south Taranaki prospect, seabed mining companies are looking at areas off New Plymouth and Waihi.
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