November 22nd, 2024

Greens petition against mining on NZ conservation land by overseas companies

Green Party spokesperson called on the Labour Party to fulfil their 2017 pledge to stop new mining on conservation land.

Sage emphasised that these companies should not be allowed to exploit New Zealand's natural resources, particularly on conservation land.
Sage emphasised that these companies should not be allowed to exploit New Zealand's natural resources, particularly on conservation land.

The Green Party has initiated a petition aimed at protecting the country's conservation land from mining by large overseas corporations like Mineralogy International Limited, directed by Australian billionaire Clive Palmer.

Green Party spokesperson for conservation, Eugenie Sage, emphasised the need to preserve Aotearoa's unique plants and animals, which are under threat from mining operations, according to a party media release.

"Aotearoa is home to some of the world's unique plants and animals that must be protected. Right now, big mining companies are allowed to tear through these fragile habitats threatening the native plants and animals that live there," says Sage.

Sage called on the Labour Party to fulfil their 2017 pledge to stop new mining on conservation land.

"In 2017 Labour pledged they would stop new mining on conservation land. My members' bill would do exactly that. It's time to match actions with words," she said.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has granted Mineralogy International at least 10 mineral permits to explore and prospect for minerals. The permits encompass some of New Zealand's most precious conservation land, with another four applications pending, according to Green Party.

Sage highlighted the potential environmental damage caused by mining companies like Mineralogy International Limited.

"Clive Palmer is a mining billionaire, and Australia’s fifth richest person. Mining is invasive and can harm biodiversity and ecosystems. It can leave local communities to deal with severe environmental harm and the aftermath of a boom and bust employment cycle," Green Party spokesperson for conservation, Eugenie Sage.

She also emphasised that these companies should not be allowed to exploit New Zealand's natural resources, particularly on conservation land.

"These lands and waters are supposed to be protected so our native plants and wildlife can thrive. The drilling and earthworks which prospecting permits allow can harm nature and are steps towards more destructive mining," Sage added.

The Green Party spokesperson pointed out that public conservation lands exist to protect New Zealand's natural landscapes, plants, and wildlife, rather than to increase the wealth of billionaires.

"Our public conservation lands exist to protect our wild and wonderful natural places and landscapes, and all the amazing native plants and wildlife that call them home. Not to provide places for billionaires to mine to increase their wealth," she said.

Sage stressed importance of prioritising the health of lands, forests, wildlife, and waterways over short-term profits of mining companies.

"In a biodiversity and climate crisis, it's time to put the health of our lands, forests, wildlife, and waterways above the short-term profit of mining companies," says Sage.