Minerals Prospecting Ban Over Kermadec Arc Extended for 18 Months

Jones' declaration, enabled under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, will extend consecutive existing reservations, the latest of which is set to expire on 4 July 2024.

A reservation preventing the granting or extending of minerals prospecting, exploration, and mining permits over the Kermadec Arc will be extended for 18 months from 5 July, Resources Minister Shane Jones announced.

Jones' declaration, enabled under the Crown Minerals Act 1991, will extend consecutive existing reservations, the latest of which is set to expire on 4 July 2024.

"I've been clear about my ambitions to leverage New Zealand's mineral resources to stimulate economic development opportunities in our regions, improve the security and affordability of our energy and resources supplies, and increase our self-sufficiency to protect against volatile international markets," Jones said.

He emphasized his commitment to a long-term, strategic approach to mineral resource development, ensuring the mining of the right minerals in the right places at the right times.

"Through the draft Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040, which I launched in May, I proposed a stocktake of New Zealand's known mineral potential, including in the Kermadec Arc, and the development of a critical minerals list that will identify minerals essential to our economic functions and which face supply risks," Jones explained.

This ongoing work, once completed, will aid the Crown in making informed decisions about potential mineral development activities within the Kermadec Arc, considering the extensive mineral opportunities onshore, in territorial waters, and other areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

"We currently don't have a good understanding of industry demand for mineral permits in this area. By extending this reservation, I'm ensuring we have time to collect industry views so that, if the time comes, efficient allocation of mineral rights can be made to maximize benefits to New Zealand," Jones added.

The new minerals reservation over the Kermadec Arc will expire on 4 January 2026, at which time the Minister for Resources can decide whether to re-establish the reservation or allow it to lapse.