Crown Minerals Amendment Bill introduced

Minerals are essential to every part of our economy and will continue to be into the future. However, the types and quantities needed will change as we transition to a low-emissions economy. Certain minerals used in clean technologies have an important role to play in decarbonising the economy and supporting the transition to net zero by 2050.

The Government has introduced a Bill to better align the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) with wider Government policy objectives, including managing the phase-out of fossil fuels.

Crown Minerals Amendment Bill —New Zealand Parliament website

The changes will increase flexibility as to when and how to allocate mining rights, while maintaining the CMA’s current role, which is to support the development of Crown-owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealanders.

Submissions on the Bill are open now and close on Monday, 23 January 2023

This Bill proposes to:

• change the word “promote” in the purpose statement of the CMA to more neutral language that neither requires nor inhibits development of Crown-owned minerals, to increase flexibility in the management of Crown-owned resources.
• create more certainty around engagement expectations between industry and iwi and hapū.

Submissions on the Bill can be made through the New Zealand Parliament website.

More information on the review of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 is available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website.

Review of the Crown Minerals Act 1991 — MBIE

Critical minerals list

The Government is also separately planning to develop a critical minerals list. MBIE is intending this to enable a shared understanding of the minerals facing supply risks that are required to support New Zealand’s economy and wider economic wellbeing now, and into the future.

MBIE is expecting to consult on the purpose, criteria, and potential uses of a list in the new year.

You can find consultations on the MBIE website.

Have your say — MBIE