29 May 2007 - Auckland

Forest & Bird media release for immediate use

Forest & Bird delighted by Tui mine clean-up

Forest & Bird is pleased that contamination at the Tui Mine near Te Aroha will finally be cleaned up.

Environment Minister David Benson-Pope announced today that the abandoned Tui Mine would be cleaned up, and that the Government would pay nearly $10 million to do the job, which is expected to be completed by 2010.

Forest & Bird President Dr Peter Maddison said Forest & Bird and other groups such as Coromandel Watchdog had campaigned for nearly three decades to have the mine cleaned up, and he was delighted to hear that it would go ahead.

“This is the most polluted mine site in the country, so it has been a significant environmental hazard and we are greatly relieved that it will be dealt with.”

Dr Maddison said Forest & Bird volunteers would be happy to help with the clean-up effort if required.

Basil Graeme, of Forest & Bird’s Tauranga Branch, said he had been involved in campaigns to clean up the mine since 1980, and it was satisfying to finally see a positive result.

“It is not only a toxic hazard but is also an erosion hazard – it has been an environmental running sore for as long as I can remember. It will be a massive job to clean up but it appears the Government is prepared to commit the funds required.”

The mine was abandoned in 1973, and piles of waste rock, ore dumps and mine tailings have long been a source of hazardous pollution, including toxic substances such as arsenic, that has affected streams flowing into the Waihou River.

ENDS

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