Media Release

26-11-2013

Local Community Peacefully Delay Mining Activities in Schedule 4

Coromandel residents this morning delayed mining activities in Schedule 4 in the Coromandel Harbour.

“About 30 Coromandel residents went out to peacefully protest on the mudflats as Sea Group Holdings’ contractors took samples in order to see how much gold there is in the area,”said Coromandel Watchdog Coordinator Renee Annan. “They eventually left the area with some samples with the support of the police.”

“Coromandel residents are very concerned about the effects of prospecting in Schedule 4, Sea Group Holdings are prospecting because they think that there is a legal loophole where they can one day dredge for gold without a mining permit but the government has made it clear that this will not be possible.”

“Howeverthe government has already changed the goal posts around mining and we have no confidence that we can rely on them to uphold Schedule 4.Coromandel residents will continue to challenge this activity which puts at risk our local aquaculture, fishing and tourism industries.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media