Resources Minister Shane Jones.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Resources Minister Shane Jones says a bid to put a mine in one of New Zealand’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites has been withdrawn.
The government had [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/593506/green-party-disapproves-of-government-granting-prospecting-permit-for-unesco-site approved a prospecting permit for 157 square kilometres at Te Wāhipounamu on the West Coast for minerals other than uranium.
Jones confirmed the bid was withdrawn.
“Yes, as I understand, the issue that caused him [the bidder] to step back was the furore driven by my communist opponents in the Green Party, who don’t seem to understand there is no ban on prospecting in the UNESCO area or on DOC land, with the exception of schedule 4 land.”
Jones says the bidder could make up his own mind.
“He can make his own decision. I’m told that he’s a well-known geologist in the ranks of professionally trained rock people, mining people.”
In 2012, then-Prime Minister Sir John Key ruled out mining in Te Wāhipounamu under his government.
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