Coal, Gold mining and Cement production West Coast New Zealand: Mining Minerals West Coast

Our People

Kia Ora. Welcome.

The West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand has substantial resources of coal, gold and other minerals, and potential for oil and gas production. The minerals industry is the the driving force behind the economy on the West Coast, and has been since 1860. To put the value of the minerals industry on the West Coast in perspective, it is worth about NZ$500 million per year, as much as the combined value of the dairy industry and the tourist industry in the region

Given the significance and importance of such an industry to the West Coast, initiatives that enhance the industry have major positive follow-on effects for the greater West Coast community. Minerals West Coast was established as a charitable trust in 2005 to further the community benefits of this major sector of the local economy. New members of Minerals West Coast are always welcome. For enquiries, click here.

The objectives and purposes of the Trust are as follows:

Through the implementation of the Strategic Plan, to increase cooperation among all involved in the Minerals sector on the West Coast, so as to have real, significant and positive effects for the general West Coast Community (incorporating the Buller, Grey and Westland Districts);
Through the implementation of the Strategic Plan, to increase employment levels on the West Coast; to increase the stability of employment on the West Coast, and to develop and increase training and skill levels of those both in and seeking employment;
To work with the Minerals sector to develop and promote employment and educational strategies;
Through the implementation of the strategic plan, to promote and advance awareness of and to provide education regarding environmental issues and environmental "best practices", and to establish the West Coast as a centre of excellence for environmental management and rehabilitation;
To liase with local Runanga, Ngai Tahu, regarding mining matters;
To identify, record and protect local archaeological mining sites and facilities, and to promote education regarding the history of the area.

Commercial mining has been the backbone of the West Coast economy for 150 years, and will be for at least a similar length of time into the future.There are fantastic opportunities to grow the West Coast economy by efficiently utilising our natural resources for the benefit of all. The West Coast is a great place to live and work. Better facilities and infrastructure will lead to better services. We have a great future in a wonderful part of New Zealand. If you are not living here already, bring your skills and come and join us.

Gareth Thomas

Chairman 2009-2010
Minerals West Coast Trust

Contact us

Peter O'Sullivan

Manager

Minerals West Coast

Phone 03 768 5600

Fax 03 768 5105

Mobile 0274 318 581

Email petero@mineralswestcoast.co.nz

Web www.mineralswestcoast.co.nz