The Govt will today scrap hugely controversial plans to mine some of the country's most pristine conservation land.

The Government is backing down on its decision to mine conservation land in the face of furious public protest, according to reports.

Cabinet is due to make a decision today on mining high value conservation land.

Waihi gold miners have accused their Australian employer of Victorian work practices by making them take their breaks underground during 11-hour shifts.

A compromise deal over the taxation of Australian mining companies has been announced by new PM Julia Gillard.

Nick Smith says uranium transiting through NZ ports will only be used for "peaceful purposes", despite one of its recipients being involved in making nuclear weapons.

The search for a plane carrying one of Australia's richest men and the entire board of one of the country's mining companies resumed last night.

Six Australian mining executives, including one of the country's richest men, breached protocol by boarding a plane that has gone missing in West Africa.

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson faced tough questions about how mining protected lands was impinging on her environmental responsibilities.

The chairman of the NZX says state owned enterprises should be partially privatised and a compulsory super scheme introduced.