21 Jul 2014

Group to fight mining appeal

8:31 pm on 21 July 2014

An environmental group will fight Trans Tasman Resources' appeal against the decision to refuse it consents for New Zealand's first seabed mining proposal.

Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) on Monday notified the High Court of its intention to join the Environmental Protection Authority in opposing the appeal.

The authority earlier turned down Trans Tasman Resources' application to mine up to 50 million tonnes of black sand off the South Taranaki Bight per year over a 20-year period

KASM chairperson Phil McCabe said the group is extremely disappointed the company has lodged an appeal and is determined to fight it.

Mr McCabe said the group would oppose the appeal, despite the Government refusing the organisation access to the Environmental Legal Assistance fund.