Australian Inquiry For Coast Coal

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32304, 23 May 1970, Page 44

Australian Inquiry For Coast Coal

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 22.

An Australian company has expressed interest in West Coast coal deposits since the Government’s decision not to use coal fuel for the New Plymouth power station.

The Minister of Mines (Mr Shelton) said this today after talks with Japanese companies which will approach the Government with coal export propositions.

“It appears that despon-l dency is the last thing they; should indulge in down! there,” said Mr Shelton this! morning when interviewed about West Coast mining prospects. But he said the Government had no intention of hurriedly selling New Zealand’s resources to overseas countries until the Government was certain it could meet internal needs.

“The first thing we must do is assess the needs of any industry which might develop on the Coast, either now or in the distant future. That is stage one—and then we have to assess what is left. This will take a considerable period of study.” Mr Shelton said that he; did not think the lack of port

facilities would be an insurmountable problem if large quantities of coal proved to be available for export. He said the Japanese representatives who met him today—he declined to name (the company—had been interested in exports of both jeoal, and timber from West I Coast beech forests. “1 told them that no deciIsion had yet been made by 'the Government, and that circumstances required a (complete re-evaluation of the (whole of the deposits on the l West Coast,” he said.