CRP
11/02/2015 10:33
GENERAL
PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 1033 HRS Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited
GENERAL: CRP: CRP Marine Consent application declined
Media Release
11 February 2015
CRP marine consent decline means New Zealand is closed for business
A decision by the Environmental Protection Authority to decline a marine
consent application by Chatham Rock Phosphate is a seriously negative signal
for New Zealand business, managing director Chris Castle said.
"It will make it even harder, if not impossible for companies to attract
capital for new projects in New Zealand. As the second application of its
kind there have been some improvements in the process and were able to learn
a lot and apply those lessons. If we can't succeed having invested $33
million over seven years, then obviously the government is not serious about
economic development."
"We had a strong level of agreement by scientific and other experts from both
sides that the environmental effects were either limited or manageable."
"Obviously we need to take a bit of time to digest what the decision means
and what our next steps will be, the options being an appeal, resubmitting,
or walking away."
"To say we are bitterly disappointed is an understatement. We are aghast.
The entire government process, and the EPA in particular, seems afraid to say
yes to any project that involves any kind of environmental impact and that is
simply not good enough if we are to provide a future for our country's young
people."
Chris Castle +64 21 55 81 85 or [email protected]
End CA:00260487 For:CRP Type:GENERAL Time:2015-02-11 10:33:43
