Mine project slowed to snail's pace

A possible new species of giant land snail found at Stockton on the West Coast could hold up Solid Energy's plans to mine a ridgeline.

The snail was found at Mt Augustus ridge, within metres of present mining work, during Solid Energy's surveys, said the company's national environmental manager, Mark Pizey.

Solid Energy had begun a full survey of the ridgeline and adjacent area to see how many snails were there and where they lived. No snails were found within present mining areas.

Mr Pizey said there was no conclusive evidence that the snail was a new species.

"I have received advice from the Department of Conservation scientist that she is of the opinion it may be a separate species and there will be further scientific work and other surveys undertaken."

Surveys had suggested a couple of hundred snails might live there.

No mining would be done in the area until further surveys had been completed and DoC had been consulted on what to do next.

- NZPA