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Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved a land access deal for open-cast mining on conservation land on the Denniston Plateau, helping pave the way for Bathurst Resources to begin digging millions of tonnes of top-quality coal. The decision does not mean the mine has the green light, as the application remains the subject of court action by conservationists.

In the land access deal announced by today, Bathurst will provide $22 million as compensation for loss of conservation values. The money is to fund pest and predator control over 25,000 hectares in the Kahurangi National Park and 4500 hectares on the Denniston Plateau, as well as for historic projects on the plateau. It is the largest ever compensation package negotiated by DOC for a mine or any commercial venture. The mine is being fought by Forest and Bird and other conservation groups. Ahead of Smith’s announcement West Coast Environment Network spokeswoman Lynley Hargreaves said it would be a rushed decision made to avoid public consultation.

”Open-cast mining on high-value conservation land is not something the public of New Zealand support, and the Government knows that,” she said.

Smith said the approval, under the Crown Minerals Act, was for an open-cast mine on 106ha of the 2026ha that comprise the Denniston Plateau.

”This area is not national park, nor conservation park, nor does it have any particular reserve status. It is general stewardship land, which is the lowest legal status of protection of land managed by the Department of Conservation.’ He said it did have conservation values although there had been previous mining including roads, bulldozer tracks and a reservoir, and there was some infestation from gorse and broom.

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