Strategy development by the minerals industry identified
the fragmented management of mineral resources as a significant impediment to
the discovery and development of
New Zealand
's mineral resources. The total gross
value of
New Zealand
's
potential resources of coal and minerals is estimated at about $400 billion, but
their potential value is not being realised. The management of minerals is now
largely under the control of 86 local authorities (regional and district
councils) and the lack of recognition of the significance of the sector has lead
to inconsistencies in the way minerals are managed. The industry strategy
influenced science funding for minerals, with the result that the 'mineral
wealth' component now includes research on making better use of resource data in
minerals management. Initially this research has targeted Otago and Northland
regions where a number of initiatives are now in progress.

In
Otago the Regional Council has budgeted to contribute $1 million towards a
regional geophysical survey to advance mineral exploration and the management of
subsurface resources in the region, to work cooperatively towards improving
public awareness of the significance of minerals to regional economic activity,
and to better coordinate policy-making for minerals at regional and district
levels.

Crown Minerals, and the
Far North and Whangarei district councils are considering providing funding
support for an economic study of the mineral potential of Northland, building on
a mineral resource assessment undertaken by GNS Science. Enterprise Northland is
adding minerals to their list of potential growth sectors, and is supporting the
operation of a Northland region minerals focus group.

Regional development
agencies and local authorities have shown that they are willing to include
mineral resources in their development strategies and to provide for them in
policies and plans when supplied with information and assisted with technical
support.