The Government is hinting at a “major” announcement on mining next week, with Resource Minister Shane Jones to make a speech in Waihī - an area known for its gold deposits.
It comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the decision to expand mining, saying it needed to play a bigger role in the economy.
Jones said he would deliver a “major” speech on January 31 regarding mining.
He told Newstalk ZB’s Ryan Bridge that New Zealand had massive economic potential for mining and the country needed to start utilising it.
“We should understand which areas are really important to Kiwis and which we can use for economic use.”
He said most of the fast-track proposals were not on conservation land and much of the land they are looking at was “overrun” with pests.
Jones also spoke about the oil and gas ban by the previous government, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, saying it was the “worst decision” he was ever associated with.
“If it is covered in her unwanted new book, I’ll be the first to cover it if it is unfactual,” he said.
Resource Minister Shane Jones hinted at a major announcement next week. Photo / Mike Scott
During his State of the Nation speech yesterday, Luxon defended the controversial issue.
“It’s easy in politics to say you want a sovereign wealth fund like Norway, or much higher incomes like Australia – but it’s much harder to say you want the oil and mining that pays for it.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivers his State of the Nation speech. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
On mining on conservation land, Luxon said there was “marginal” land across New Zealand where this should happen.
“The reality is you need lithium to power an EV,” Luxon said.
“You need critical minerals ... if you want to build more roads, I want quarries closer to where those [roads are being built].
“I want to see mining employ more Kiwis and power more growth in the economy and I’m adamant we must take further steps to make that a reality.”
Speaking to media later, Luxon acknowledged there was “sensitivity” around mining, but “we don’t have the luxury to turn off growth”.
“When there is opportunity, we are going to say yes to stuff. I appreciate that won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.”
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