Copper Survey Incomplete

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31136, 12 August 1966, Page 14

Copper Survey Incomplete

(N.Z Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 11.

Pressures from overseas—particularly Australia for the right to mine copper deposits on Coppermine Island in the Hen and Chicken group off Whangarei, were alleged by Mr N. J. King (Opp., Waitemata) in Parliament today.

He asked the Minister of Science (Mr Taiboys) to outline the extent of copper de-

posits in the island and their value. There had been conflicting reports on the deposits, said Mr King. “We really don’t know what the position is. I know there has been pressure from outside—particularly from Australia—for the mining rights. “A preliminary survey revealed that a deposit of some significance could be present,” said Mr Taiboys. More detailed samples were awaited—particularly from the steep cliffs of the island, and D.S.I.R. officers were awaiting a suitable opportunity to collect them. “It is felt we should know what is there,” said Mr Talboys.

Mr Taiboys assured Mr King that officers conducting the survey were very conscious of the need to preserve the natural flora and fauna on the island. Mrs E. 1. Tombleson (Govt., Gisborne) called for an investigation into possible copper deposits on the East Coast. She said some Hampers had recently found deposits Mr Talboy did not reply. The Minister of Mines (Mr Shand) said in March that the likely maximum value of any copper in the island would probably be in the region of £5O million.