The mayor of Gray District has sharply criticized protesters attempting to disrupt operations at a West Coast coal mine, urging them to “bugger off” and leave the area.
Bathurst Resources, the mining company involved, is seeking fast-track approval to extend its Stockton mine and extract 20 million tonnes of coal from the Denniston and Stockton Plateaux over the next 25 years. Last week, around 70 people set up camp on Denniston Plateau, and on Monday, several protesters climbed onto cable cars used to transport coal in an effort to halt operations.
Police reported that seven individuals have been charged with trespassing. One person was arrested, while six others have been summoned to appear in court. A small number of protesters remained at the site on Tuesday morning, with Climate Liberation Aotearoa stating that four activists were still suspended in the coal cable cars, having been there for over 30 hours.
One of the activists, Adam Currie, explained the protest’s purpose, saying, “We’re drawing attention to the company’s plans to expand coal mining across the Denniston Plateau, a pristine environment home to unique species found nowhere else.” He added, “We’ve been here for two sunrises now because this mine is a line in the sand.”
Gray District Mayor Tania Gibson responded strongly to the protesters’ actions, calling them “stupid” and “grandstanding.” She said, “People do have the right to protest, but what they’re doing is a health and safety risk. It’s affecting people’s work and the company’s ability to meet its production needs.”
Gibson emphasized the importance of sustainable mining practices in the region, noting that West Coast land is largely protected by the Department of Conservation, with strict rehabilitation measures in place for mined areas. She also highlighted the economic benefits of the fast-tracking process, which has already led to the creation of approximately 1,200 new jobs in the area.
Resources Minister Shane Jones also criticized the protesters, particularly those from outside the region. “It’s insulting to the people of the West Coast, who rely on mining for their livelihood, for outsiders to come here and vilify them,” he said. “Mining contributes millions of dollars in royalties and wages, and these protesters have no right to speak for the hundreds of local people who depend on the industry.”
Jones also defended the legal right of businesses to apply for fast-track approval, stressing that the process ensures compliance with environmental and conservation laws.
Bathurst Resources expressed concern for the protesters’ safety, particularly after unauthorized access to the Stockton mine infrastructure. The company stated that it had formally trespassed the individuals and would continue working with New Zealand Police to ensure their safety and address the situation.
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