Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication. 

Introduction

DOC has decided not to make a submission on the application of Trans Tasman Resources Ltd to mine iron-sand from the sea bed offshore from South Taranaki.

Date:  26 October 2016

The decision was made after DOC and its independent experts reviewed the modified application and provided Trans Tasman Resources Ltd with comments and requested amendments to the draft conditions to address potential adverse effects on the marine environment. 

Trans Tasman accepted all the revised conditions and amendments to the monitoring and management plans requested and DOC does not consider that further conservation gains will be made by submitting on the application. 

DOC signed a confidentiality agreement covering commercial and technical aspects of the proposal to enable DOC to assess the application, which has been heavily revised since an earlier application was refused consent in 2013. DOC was a submitter to the previous application. 

Trans Tasman’s application will be considered by a decision-making committee, appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority. 

The hearings process is the appropriate forum to deal with any issues raised in submissions and DOC will not be making any further comment while the Environmental Protection Authority process is underway. 

Report

Recommendation report to Deputy-Director General Operation (PDF, 143K)

Note: Paragraph 43 has been redacted for legal reasons and because DOC is not in a position to disclose the views of all other government departments. Paragraph 43 does not have any impact on DOC’s consideration of Trans Tasman's application.

Contact

Steve Brightwell, Communications Advisor, Central North Island
Mobile: +64 27 306 2366

Astrid Nunns, National Support and Advice Manager, Planning Permissions and Land
Phone: +64 4 471 9070

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