16 October 2013

Fonterra gains consents for coal mine

Fonterra has received the go ahead to build a coal mine near Mangatawhiri, thereby undermining the clean, green image it relies on for its exports, the Green Party said today.

Today the Waikato Regional Council and the Waikato District Council granted resource consents to Glencoal Energy Limited, which is wholly owned by Fonterra, to build and operate a coal mine near Managtawhiri.

“Fonterra depends on a stable climate for its agricultural exports and markets its products to the world as clean and pure, yet is about to dig up more climate-polluting fossil fuels to power its plants,” said Green Party mining spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.

“It’s high time Fonterra got out of coal industry and moved to renewables.

“Fonterra is missing a great opportunity to restore some faith in its reputation for producing clean, green and safe food by moving to renewable energy for use in its production plants.

“The decision to allow Fonterra’s new coal mine is disappointing because our environment and our economy cannot risk further investment in damaging coal.

“Furthermore, this decision is disappointing for local people who realise that this mine will industrialise their rural community.

“Our clean, green image is increasingly becoming false advertising, and Fonterra’s new coal mine certainly won’t help,” said Ms Delahunty.

Reference:
Decision by Waikato councils: http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/PageFiles/25554/Decision_on_Glencoal_Energy_Ltd_applications_-_Mangatangi_Mine.pdf

ENDS

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