Westland District Council acknowledges today’s announcement from Westland Mineral Sands that it is proposing to temporarily pause mining operations and place parts of the business into care and maintenance, and the impact that this has on their staff and the region.
While the immediate operational changes relate to activities elsewhere on the West Coast, the project has connections across the region, including exploration work associated with the Mananui project south of Hokitika.
Our thoughts are with the workers, contractors and families who may be affected by the proposed changes, as well as the many businesses across the Coast that support the wider resource sector.
Mining and resource industries have long played an important role in the West Coast economy, supporting employment, investment and regional development. Like many export industries, these projects are influenced by global commodity markets and international conditions, and periods of market uncertainty can result in difficult decisions for companies.
While the proposed pause will create uncertainty in the short term, the underlying mineral resource remains in place and the long-term opportunity associated with mineral sands on the West Coast remains significant.
Westland District Council has been working with Westland Mineral Sands for several years as the project has developed and will continue to remain in contact with the company as the situation evolves.
Council remains supportive of initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic development and employment opportunities for the West Coast.
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