Firm’s publication puts mining in perspective

Press, 3 June 1981, Page 11

Firm’s publication puts mining in perspective

PA Hamilton A four-page newsheet. “to encourage rational discussion of mining issues and put mineral exploration in perspective,” has been produced by a mining company. Amoco Minerals N.Z.. Ltd.’ More than 12.000 residents of the Coromandel Peninsula. Government departments, and interested parties would get the. newsheet. said Amoco's regional geologist. Mr Peter Roberts. He said the newsheet gave the facts about the surge in mineral exploration in New Zealand, particularly on the Coromandel Peninsula. In 10 stories and one poem. Amoco puts forward its views of some of the issues which have been raised by increasing mineral exploration plans on the peninsula. In the newsheet Air Roberts said the company was "going it alone” during the high-risk stage of exploration and that New Zealand companies would be invited to join the venture once risks had been reduced. He also set out Amoco's policies on key issues, such as the effects on fishing, Maori land, and national parks. “Amoco Minerals N.Z. Ltd. aware of its social as well as economic obligations, is very sympathetic to the concerns

of local residents about mining activities." said Mr Roberts. The company was proud of its reputation as a careful explorer and believed the people whose land it had worked on would back that reputation. Fears based on the assumption that today's mines would resemble those at the turn of the century were unfounded. Today, a prospector could not do what he liked when he liked, because of Government controls and exploration companies’ own policies.

The odds were high against a good mineral find, said Mr Roberts, and most exploration programmes failed; But he predicted one or two significant gold finds on the peninsula in the next five years. The newsheet also set out figures on exploration licence areas, licences and areas applied for. and the amount of sampling and analysing done so far. It alsc included a statement from the Minister of Energy (Mt Birch) and information on how mining can create more jobs.