Media Release – for immediate release
1 December 2009

Natural resource industry brands Mt Aspiring speculation as “scaremongering”

Straterra, which represents New Zealand’s natural resources industries, has branded Green Party claims that Mt Aspiring Park could be opened to mining as “scaremongering”.

Straterra Chief Executive Richard Michael said that the natural resources industry was committed to working to improve the living standards of all New Zealanders but not at the expense of the tourism industry or the country’s clean green image.

“The Green Party is scaremongering in this case,” he said. “Straterra supported the Government’s decision to undertake a stocktake of mineral deposits on conservation land. It makes total sense for the Government and the public to have a full understanding of our country’s mineral wealth.

‘That stocktake is still underway and a full and open process of public consultation will follow before any decisions are made.

“While it could be that some areas of Schedule 4 land of low conservation value may then be considered for its mineral potential, we are certainly not going to see mining in our high value conservation estate.”

About Straterra

Straterra, which was launched in September 2008, aims to provide a united voice for companies working in the oil, gas, aggregates, minerals, metals and coal industries. The sector has annual revenues exceeding four billion dollars and exports of around two billion dollars. Independent studies demonstrate the potential to double these revenues and provide much needed employment in the New Zealand economy.

ENDS

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