A new coal mine proposed for the West Coast would destroy 200 hectares of a nationally significant ecosystem and increase New Zealand’s coal exports by up to 62%. The mine, located entirely on public conservation land, would be run by Buller Coal Limited (owned by Bathurst Resources Ltd Australia), which has already applied for resource consents from Buller District Council and the West Coast Regional Council1, and an access arrangement and concession from the Department of Conservation.

Read Jeanette Fitzsimon’s submission against the mine.

Read the backgrounder from local group, West Coast Environment Network here

The resource consent hearing for Buller Coal’s proposed mine began in Westport last week.  West Coast Environment Network, Jeanette Fitzsimons, and Forest and Bird will all be giving oral submissions opposing the mine.  CAN Aotearoa put in a written submission against the mine.

Buller Coal’s mine would lead to a significant increase in New Zealand’s coal exports.  Now is the time when we need to be phasing out coal mining – initially by opposing new and expanded coal mines.  So, please join CAN Aotearoa and West Coast Environment Network and others concerned about this mine and show your opposition.  Contact West Coast Environment Network on wcent@riseup.net to get involved and to receive further updates.

A new coal mine proposed for the West Coast would destroy 200 hectares of a nationally significant
ecosystem and increase New Zealand’s coal exports by up to 62%6. The mine, located entirely on public
conservation land, would be run by Buller Coal Limited (owned by Bathurst Resources Ltd Australia), which
has already applied for resource consents from Buller District Council and the West Coast Regional
Council1, and an access arrangement and concession from the Department of Conservation.