Taranaki Coast

New Zealand has rejected Trans-Tasman Resources’ (TTR) application for a $70m underwater iron sand mining project in the South Taranaki Bight, saying that there was no clarity on its environmental impact.

The decision-making committee of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has rejected the application, citing an uncertain scope and significance of the adverse environmental effects, including the potential harm fishing and Iwi interests.

The information presented by the company was not enough to convince the committee that the life-supporting capacity of the environment would be safeguarded, or that the adverse effects of the proposal could be avoided, remedied or mitigated.

TTR received a mining permit from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment in May, but had to secure consent from the EPA as the project lies within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"The DMC agreed with EDS and other submitters that the uncertainties…meant it was required to favour caution and environmental protection."

TTR proposed to mine an area of 65.76km² within the EEZ between 22km and 35km off the coast of Patea, under the company’s current prospecting licence 50753.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The project would have been the world’s first commercial metals mine on the ocean floor.

Several environmental groups opposed the proposal, including Environmental Defence Society and Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, who citied a lack of scientific clarity over the environmental impacts of seabed mining.

EDS executive director Gary Taylor said: "The DMC agreed with EDS and other submitters that the uncertainties in the scope and significance of effects on the environment and existing interests meant it was required to favour caution and environmental protection."

"The DMC indicated that application was ‘premature’ and the applicant should have spent more time understanding the proposed operation and the receiving environment and engaging with existing interests and other parties."

TTR’s proposal was the first application processed by the EPA under the new EEZ legislation, which was introduced in June 2013.


Image: Trans-Tasman’s proposed underwater iron sand mining in the South Taranaki Bight, off the coast of Patea. Photo: courtesy of Phillip Capper.

Energy