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Northland’s mineral potential remains largely untapped
31 May 2007 - Two studies released today have found that considerable potential exists to expand Northland’s minerals industry and enable the industry to contribute further to the region’s economic development, Associate Energy Minister Harry Duynhoven said.
The ‘Mineral Resource Assessment of the Northland Region’ and ‘Northland Mineral Resources Potential Economic Impacts’ studies were prepared by GNS Science and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research respectively. Both studies used the scenario of increased mineral production to determine what additional economic benefits could be gained for the region.
“Metal resources have the greatest potential to contribute to the regional and national economy as their markets are highly developed, unlike those for non-metal resources which are constrained by the need for specialised industries.
“By increasing Northland’s current mineral production from $56 million to $352 million per annum, the studies found that the total value of Northland’s economy could increase by $683 million.
“Under such a scenario, an additional 1,127 full time jobs could be created in Northland’s mining sector and a further 1,596 jobs in other sectors of the region’s economy.
“I am pleased to see central and local government and industry working together on initiatives that contribute to a higher quality of decision making and planning regarding mineral wealth,” Harry Duynhoven said.
The Resource Management Act will ensure that mining success can be achieved in sustainable and socially responsible ways.
A copy of the reports can be found here
Media contact:
Jamie Gray, Private Secretary (Energy) to Harry Duynhoven
Tel: (04) 471 9818 or 021 227 9818
