Drop in mineral prospecting

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32967, 13 July 1972, Page 2

Drop in mineral prospecting

CN.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 12.

Mineral prospecting in New Zealand was at a lower level than in the recent past, and some overseas companies had curtailed or ceased their exploration programmes, said a report before the National Development Council today.

Petroleum prospecting, on and off shore, and seismic surveys were continuing and the possibility of extracting peat wax and montan was a new development in the mineral industry. In its report, the Mineral Resources Council said there was a need for adequate, con-

tinuing State surveys and research. Factual publicity rather than sensationalism was needed to retain public confidence.

Feasibility studies on a number of known mineral deposits were continuing and overseas inquiries continued to be received for the purchase of local industrial rocks and minerals. BEST USE Much discussion had centred on the most desirable level of processing and manufacturing for export of New Zealand’s minerals. The council favoured the export of raw materials for distinct short-term gain only where ample resources for all foreseeable requirements were known, or where this country’s resources of labour, skill and marketing opportunities; clearly precluded the

possibility of competitive manufacture.

The report favoured an even higher level of activity in on-shore petroleum prospecting and urged adequate incentives for petroleum exploration and development. Reservations about the proposed changes to mining taxation announced in the 1971 Budget were held by the council; which had made unsuccessful submissions to have these changes delayed. COAL STUDY Growing awareness of the ever-increasing energy demands in all countries, including New Zealand, had emphasised the importance of this country’s coal resources to the long-term energy supply.

The Mineral Resources Council realised the need for continued exploration and

assessment of coal resources, particularly in Waikato and Southland, so that these resources could be assessed in sufficient detail for their full consideration in the planning of future energy supply and electric-power generation.

The Government was aware that the maximum value to New Zealand from the development of mineral resources for export depended on maximum processing in this country, wherever possible, said the report.

This would influence the future direction of research and development of mineral resources. The most likely effects of this were to emphasise the development of economical processing methods, development of processes using energy sources other than electric power and the development of processes designed to keep environmental pollution to a minimum. A big overseas company with experience of New Zealand had asked whether this country wanted mining activities. said Dr H. C. Holland a' the meeting. Dr Holland said he believed that undue emphasis was being placed on the environment which, after all, was being altered daily. The chairman of the Mineral Resources Council (Mr K. E. Seal) said the N.D.C. and its Environmental Council should tell the public some of the advantages from mining—an example being access which the public would not otherwise enjoy. The chairman of the N.D.C. (the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Muldoon) said there was a great need for clear public statements on environmental matters when criticism demanded this.