Clean, green mining? Yeah right.

Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee’s plans for a “stocktake” of mining opportunities in our most precious conservation land, including national parks , have deeply concerned our members. Despite subsequent attempts by the Government to play down suggestions that it will open up protected conservation lands to mining, this proposal is still very much alive. We need your help to let the Government know that our protected forests, mountains, wetlands, beaches and seafloor are too precious to be handed over to the mining industry. Please help us by emailing Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee (g.brownlee@ministers.govt.nz ) to let him know you oppose mining of our core conservation lands. You could make some of the following points:

• Mining of core conservation land will directly threaten New Zealand’s 100% Pure brand and its $20 billion tourism industry.
• Mining cannot be “surgically” carried out in fragile conservation lands – it has long-lasting and significant impacts on the environment and wildlife.
• Burning mined lignite will be a major source of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Thanks to Corona, who points out that 'If we do or say something appropriate before or when it is necessary - and that often does not require much by each person - we may avert an environmental situation in New Zealand that many do not want, and we will not be able to undo if it comes into effect.'

I'm emailing Gerry right away and so should you!

The news came from Forest and Bird enews.