4 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Mining firm offers iwi concessions
An aerial view of Hokitika. Photo: West Coast Regional Council.
A hearing for a large-scale mineral sands mining venture on the outskirts of Hokitika began this week with Westland Minerals Sand (WMS) proponents revealing several new amendments.
One is the offer of wetlands and forestry inside the 112ha Mananui application area to mana whenua.
Local iwi initially opposed the mining due to its proximity to Mahinapua Creek.
However, during her opening submissions, WMS counsel Alex Booker said a letter had been received by Poutini Ngai Tahu stating a change in stance from opposition to neutral — subject to conditions.
Ms Booker said to preserve the cultural significance, ecological value and indigenous biodiversity of the area, the area of the Mahinapua wetland within the application site would be offered to mana whenua.
In addition, the new fenced ecological reserve — an area of 4.75ha of forest restoration planting adjoining the wetland — and two new constructed wetlands will also be offered.
"A condition has been proffered which includes a minimum area of 28ha. This will have positive biodiversity effects beyond the life of the mine," she said.
"A public walkway linking the Department of Conservation-managed Mahinapua walkway with the Mananui walkway to ensure ongoing access for walkers, cyclists, bird-watchers and the wider community is also being investigated."
A total of 90 submissions on everything from amenity and visual impacts, noise and transport to economic impacts were received — 66 in support, 21 opposed and five neutral.
Ms Booker said the fact that the majority of the submissions received were in support should not be lost on the hearing commissioners.
The West Coast Regional Council and the Westland District Council have appointed a joint hearing committee to hear and decide all applications made by WMS.
Regional council staff are recommending the large-scale sand mine proposed on privately owned farmland get the green light.
If the hearing panel agreed, the mine would become the largest sand mine to date on the West Coast in the hunt for rare earth minerals.
The hearing is expected to last for two weeks under commissioners John Maassen (chairman), Tim Vial, and Mark Geddes. — Hokitika Guardian
By Janna Sherman
