Mining and quarrying
Total mineral production in NZ is estimated at almost 40 million tonnes, with mineral exports (coal, gold, silver, iron sands and industrial minerals) worth well over $500 million in 2002. The quarrying and aggregate sector produces more than 30 million tonnes of processed product annually, worth about $500 million. We use resources from these two sectors in a wide range of our daily and economic activities, such as coal for energy generation and export, aggregate for cement and roading, salt for industrial and culinary purposes, and iron sands for steel production and exports.
Mining and quarrying can also create significant environmental impacts, being large users of energy, industrial plants, water and land. A range of opportunities exist for the mining industry to reduce its environmental footprint. Given the increasing price of energy and other resources, putting in place energy and other resource efficiency initiatives can help mining companies to:
- save money
- improve risk management planning and strategies
- enhance the company's image
- improve air quality
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change.
Guides
Guidance for Voluntary, Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting
This publication gives guidance for corporations on voluntary Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reporting, including emission factors. It is intended to help those corporates that wish to voluntarily monitor and report greenhouse gas emissions on an organisational basis for their New Zealand operations.
Organisations
Ministry of Economic Development - Crown Minerals
The Ministry for Economic Development manages New Zealand's Crown-owned mineral estate. This includes the efficient allocation and charging for prospecting, exploration and mining rights, and ensuring a fair financial return to the Crown from development of these resources, as well as the active marketing and promotion of the Crown Mineral Estate.
NZ Minerals Industry Association
The NZ Minerals Industry Association represents private sector companies active in the exploration and production of precious metals, aggregates, industrial minerals, and coal. It coordinates and represents minerals industry positions on matters of collective importance.
Other resources
Energy Efficient Ways to improve the economic bottom line of your mining or quarrying business [PDF, 2.2MB] (Energy Federation of NZ)
This kit provides information on energy use and energy efficiency in the mining and quarrying sectors.
Think something should be added to Simply Sustainable? Send your suggestion to webmaster@mfe.govt.nz.
