9 Jan 2013

Concerns over phosphate mining

10:01 am on 9 January 2013

The Chatham Islands fishing industry is yet to be persuaded that phosphate mining won't jeopardise their livelihoods.

Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited plans to dredge an area off the islands that is believed to hold over 100 million tonnes of rock phosphate.

It proposes to bring the mineral to the island for processing.

But commercial fisherman Nathanial Whaitiri is concerned about the impact that will have on shallow waters surrounding the island.

He said islanders want the company to ensure no run-off affects inshore fish species like paua and crayfish.