60159 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Resources

60159 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Resources: Why did the Government grant Trans-Tasman Resources to expand the size of its mining permit from 6600 to 24,300 hectares, despite the Supreme Court unanimously dismissing the company’s appeal to mine off the coast of Taranaki?

Hon Shane Jones: The delegated decision-maker granted Trans-Tasman Resources an extension of land to minerals mining permit 55581 because its application met the relevant tests required under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (the CMA). A minerals permit simply allocates the rights to the Crown owned minerals within the area of the permit subject to the conditions and obligations attached to the permit. The operator will still need to secure relevant marine, environmental, and health and safety consents before any mining activity can take place. The Supreme Court matter mentioned in the question related to marine consents, which are dealt with under a different legislative regime to the CMA, and was not a relevant consideration in the extension of the land decision.