14 Jul 2014

Moriori oppose rock phosphate mining

7:01 am on 14 July 2014

The Hokotehi Moriori Trust is opposing an application from the company, Chatham Rock Phosphate, to mine the seabed near Rekohu - the Chatham Islands.

The mining company has been consulting with Moriori trustees, Ngati Mutunga and the public over the past two years about mining for rock phosphate on the Chatham Rise.

It's used to make chemicals, agricultural fertilizers and nutritional supplements for animals.

The trust has made a submission to the Environmental Protection Authority against the company's application.

Hokotehi Moriori Trust general manager Maui Solomon said because phosphate mining on the sea floor had never happened in New Zealand waters before, the risks were unknown.

He said the scientific information was still insufficient to justify the risks including the potential adverse affects to the highly valuable fishery, and the impact it could have on the marine environment.

Mr Solomon said the downside was much greater than the upside - which would only economically benefit mainland New Zealand with virtually negligible benefits for Rekohu - Chatham Islands.