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'A little bit embarrassing': Minerals Council CEO says fast track mining block will damage US-NZ relations

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Feb 2026, 7:13am
Hapū and iwi continue to lead the decade-long fight against the proposed South Taranaki seabed mine. Community-wide events this year attracted hundreds to spell out their opposition. Photo / Tania Niwa
Hapū and iwi continue to lead the decade-long fight against the proposed South Taranaki seabed mine. Community-wide events this year attracted hundreds to spell out their opposition. Photo / Tania Niwa

'A little bit embarrassing': Minerals Council CEO says fast track mining block will damage US-NZ relations

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 Feb 2026, 7:13am

Fears a decision around mining could affect New Zealand's reputation on the world stage. 

Trans-Tasman Resources' proposal to mine 50 million tonnes of seabed a year for 30 years in South Taranaki has been declined in a draft fast-track decision. 

The panel found there would be credible risks of harm to Maui dolphins, little penguins and fairy prion birds. 

Minerals Council Chief Executive Josie Vidal told Mike Hosking that it does New Zealand no favours. 

She says it comes at a time when we're trying to convince the US that we can be part of a global supply chain for minerals. 

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