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- Release Date: 19/04/13 10:30
- Summary: MINE: CRP: EEZ start date puts CRP first on the list
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CRP
19/04/2013 08:30
MINE
REL: 0830 HRS Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited
MINE: CRP: EEZ start date puts CRP first on the list
19 April 2013
EEZ start date puts CRP first on the list
Undersea mining developer Chatham Rock Phosphate expects to be the first
minerals company to have an environmental consent application considered
under the Exclusive Economic Zone legislation.
Chief executive Chris Castle said today he is delighted the start date for
the EEZ Act had been confirmed as June, several months earlier than expected.
"We're in the process of finalising our environmental consent application and
we've been asking the government who will be in a position to consider it.
"We congratulate the government, and in particular Environment Minister Amy
Adams, for ensuring there is a clear, robust pathway in place so all
interested parties can review the work we've done and satisfy themselves that
our project will meet the environmental tests of the EEZ Act. CRP believes
the new law provides the framework to allow responsible development of the
ocean's resources."
Minister Adams confirmed mining activities such as those planned by CRP will
be a discretionary activity, subject to suitable scrutiny by the
Environmental Protection Authority.
"We are familiar with what is expected and are planning our application on
that basis. Our application is close to finalisation and as soon as we are
ready we will be submitting it so anyone with an interest can see the work
we've done.
"We expect to work through the submission and hearing process during the
second half of 2013 with an aim to receiving approval by the end of this
year.
"That will enable Royal Boskalis, our mining contract partner, to be able to
commit to the significant capital required to develop the necessary equipment
and fit out the mining ship."
Mr Castle said receiving timing confirmation around the introduction of the
EEZ only a day after confirmation CRP's mining licence application was under
active consideration was the icing on the cake of a very good week.
Chris Castle - +64 21 55 81 85 or [email protected]
End CA:00235347 For:CRP Type:MINE Time:2013-04-19 08:30:07
