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- Release Date: 29/05/14 10:30
- Summary: GENERAL: CRP: Chatham Marine Consent application accepted as complete
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CRP
29/05/2014 08:30
GENERAL
REL: 0830 HRS Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited
GENERAL: CRP: Chatham Marine Consent application accepted as complete
Media Release
28 May 2014
CRP Marine Consent application accepted as complete
The Environmental Protection Authority today accepted Chatham Rock
Phosphate's formal Marine Consent application as being complete.
CRP lodged its application for a marine consent to mine phosphate nodules
from the Chatham Rise on 14 May. This acceptance step begins a six-month
process, starting with the EPA publicly notifying the application and
appointing a decision-making committee to consider the application.
The completeness process involved the EPA assessing the content of CRP's
application, which includes a 452-page narrative document plus 35 appendices
covering all of the scientific research CRP has undertaken over the past four
years.
The application, representing four years' work and $25 million in investment,
is the second seabed mining proposal to be considered under the Exclusive
Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act, and is the
only major licence CRP now needs, having gained a mining permit for its
phosphate extraction project in December.
Managing Director Chris Castle said it was another significant milestone.
"The EPA has a time-bound process that enables anyone with an interest to
have input. Having certainty around the process and time frames is very
important and we really value the transparency of the regime."
"Throughout the past few months we have continued to work with the groups
that have shown an interest in our project. They are familiar with the
content of the application and have had time to think about what we are
proposing and to test our approach and raise issues as they have been
identified."
CRP's phosphate resource, located on the seabed of the Chatham Rise, offers
fertiliser security for New Zealand's primary industry, has big export and
import substitution potential, as well as environmental benefits, making it a
project of national significance.
It is anticipated that the full application content will be publicly
available from 12 June on the EPA website, and also via a link on
rockphosphate.co.nz. People can make submissions during June and July (the
dates will be confirmed by the EPA shortly) and a public hearing will be held
in September and October.
Chris Castle +6421 558 185 or [email protected]
End CA:00250980 For:CRP Type:GENERAL Time:2014-05-29 08:30:06
