Mining: the lifeblood of the Coast’s economy
We are fortunate on the coast to have an enviable mineral resource that underpins our economy.
Pattrick Phelps, CE Minerals West Coast, explains the vital role that mining plays in our lives.
Bucket and spade-ready projects that could create 120 mining jobs on the West Coast
There are initiatives afoot to ensure this resource is utilised efficiently and wisely for the future well-being of the coast.
One such initiative comes from Bathurst Resources who wish to link the Stockton and Denniston Plateaus via a road across LINZ land. This will make both the current Stockton Mine and the Proposed Escarpment mine more viable upon completion and move the Denniston project from care and maintenance to development and production. Minerals West Coast’s understanding is subject to regulatory approval, this operation could be up and running within six months, creating 60 new mining jobs in the Buller District.
The Te Kuha, Lake Ianthe and Blackwater
Another planned initiative is the Te Kuha mine. This project, previously rejected by the present Conservation and Energy and Resources Ministers, is a proposed mine for which the business case has already been established. All that is required now is regulatory approval for access to twelve hectares of conservation land. Once operational, the mine will fund pest control over 5,000 hectares of forest for the next 35 years, safe guarding the natural home of kiwi, gecko, and other endangered species. On reaching full production the Te Kuha mine would create 60 jobs.
The Birchfield mine at Lake Ianthe is a mining project on the Coast that has been providing high paid mining jobs for over 10 years. See the video here:
A further mining initiative is The Blackwater Project. This is a joint-venture, underground mine at Waiuta which promises 30 jobs initially, rising to 100 once fully operational. It has already received PGF support and is currently seeking further investment from capital markets.
