The Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust hopes phosphate mining on the Chatham Rise will bring a much-needed boost to the islands' economy.
Wellington-based company Chatham Rock Phosphate holds an exploration licence for the Rise which is believed to have significant seabed deposits of rock phosphate.
Prime Minister John Key, who has made his first visit to the islands, said mining could bring more people and employment, especially if the minerals were processed there.
Trust chair Phil Seymour says the Chatham Islands' economy is struggling because of the high cost of living and a lack of jobs and phosphate mining could boost their future prospects.
Mr Seymour says Chatham Rock Phosphate will outline its mining plans to residents in early October.
