Resources Minister Shane Jones has laid out the Government’s plan for mining in the country aiming to double exports to $3 billion by 2035.

Jones is launching New Zealand’s national minerals strategy and a Critical Minerals List at OceanaGold’s mine in Waihi this morning.

At least 100 protesters are outside the Waihi mine site this morning in opposition to the Government’s announcement.

Green Party resources spokesperson Steve Abel said he was also in Waihi to stand alongside the local community opposed to any proposed mining in the area.

Documents released by Jones today presented a “transformative vision for the sector and identify minerals essential to our economy.”

“I’ve spoken at length about how a lack of long-term strategic direction has hindered this country in reaping the economic and security benefits our natural resources present.

“I am delighted to say that that ends now,” Jones said.

Anti-mining protestors in Waihi this morning ahead of Shane Jones' announcement on the Government's mining strategy. Photo / Tom Eley

The creation of the strategy and list was part of the coalition agreement between New Zealand First and National to investigate the country’s mineral resources, including vanadium, and devise a plan to develop opportunities.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the decision to expand mining in his State of the Union speech last week, saying it needed to play a bigger role in the economy.

“Through the Minerals Strategy this Government has formed the foundations of a considered, enduring approach to minerals development that prioritises delivering for New Zealanders, now and into the future, by supporting a productive and resilient economy through responsible and sustainable practices,” Jones said today.

“This is a holistic picture of minerals production from the land and sea, from reprocessing waste material, and from potential recycling and recovery.

“The final strategy addresses the feedback received during consultation with our three key outcomes refocused around productivity, value, and resilience, guided by overarching principles to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and responsible practices.

“With revised export statistics from Statistics NZ, we are now targeting a goal of doubling our exports to $3b by 2035, up from the previous target of $2b, with a roadmap for how we will get there,” Jones said.

Martha Open Mine owned by OceanaGold in Waihi. Photo /Supplied

Following public consultation, the Critical Minerals List now features 37 minerals, up from 35 in the draft list.

“The key change to the Critical Minerals List is the addition of gold and metallurgical coal in recognition of their importance to our minerals sector.

“Together, they represent 80% of our mineral exports, generating export revenues of around $1.2b in the year to June 2023.

Jones said New Zealand wouldn’t have the skills, machinery, resources, and capability to support a modern and responsible mining sector without them.

“With the increasing demand and volatility in international markets, I want New Zealand to contribute to the growing critical minerals market as a trusted and reliable partner, particularly where we can support global mineral supply chains of minerals necessary for clean energy technologies.

“Of the 37 minerals included on the list, we produce or have the potential to produce 21 here in New Zealand.

“We are a prospective destination for sought-after minerals like antimony and we have operators working rare earth, vanadium and titanium projects, which I note are all ways for New Zealand to support a transition to a clean energy future.”

“This Government sees increasing the scale and pace of mineral resources development as a key pillar of a strong economy, as well as international trade, co-operation and investment,” Jones said.

“Our minerals sector will increase national and regional prosperity, strengthen critical supply chains, and leverage our relationships and international partnerships to drive economic benefits for New Zealanders.”

Anti-mining group say strategy meets “our worst fears”

Protestor Gordon Jackman said “they have cut off any ways we can respond to the mining, and we have got to protest”.

Catherine Delahunty, chairwoman of anti-mining group Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki said the long term effects of mining could cause deep scars in the land and suck up the water.

“Previously, when mining was last here, the river turned orange after decades of mining”.

She said they were “appalled by the Government’s 19th century approach to mining and our economy and we expect the strategy will meet our worst fears.”

Anti-mining protestors in Waihi this morning ahead of Shane Jones' announcement on the Government's mining strategy. Photo / Tom Eley

Delahunty said they had submitted on the draft strategy and “unless there is radical change we know it’s going to be bad for the country.”

“Combined with the Fast Track law this strategy and the promotion of mining minerals such as gold, coal, antimony and various rare earth metals will lead to greater environmental risks and no public scrutiny.

“Relying on foreign miners to fix the economy is an act of desperation, we cannot compete against China and Australia and we have only small quantities of what Government calls ‘critical minerals’.“

In their view: “Just as other countries are developing alternatives to lithium and other metals the Government and the corporate miners are planning to rip into conservation land and our seabed for short-term foreign benefit.”

Catherine Delahunty, chairwoman of Coromandel Watchdog, at the OceanaGold Waihi gold mine. Photo / NZME

She said Oceana Gold was about to dig under critical biodiversity habitat on conservation lands.

“We know many people support our opposition to this type of toxic gold mining and the threats from seabed mining, coal mining and more. The strategy doesn’t tell us how we can mine without toxic results or place any value on the quality of the environment.

“There are many alternatives to mining to create long-term jobs and protect our climate and biodiversity.”

She said in their view the strategy was “a failure of leadership” and they would fight it to protect future generations.