Mining law changes to get New Zealand to net-zero by 2050

The Government has amended the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) to provide flexibility in how the Government manages Crown-owned petroleum and minerals.

The mining sector continues to play a critical role in supporting the economy, especially in our regions. This change will give the Government a greater role in managing the kinds of resources needed in the future.

Alongside this change, the Government has also amended the CMA to improve engagement between permit holders and iwi and hapū. The changes clarify the Crown’s expectations of permit holders about how engagement should be reported and how iwi and hapū feedback can inform further allocation under the CMA.

The CMA sets out how the Government allocates rights to mine Crown-owned minerals such as gold, rare earth elements, coal, oil and fossil gas, for New Zealand’s economic benefit.