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National | Mining

Taranaki iwi welcome EPA decision on seabed mining

Taranaki iwi are celebrating the decision to refuse a multi-millionaire group access to mine in their waters.

The Environmental Protection Agency released its decision to refuse mining consent  to Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd who were eyeing up the iron sands in South Taranaki and Raglan.

Ngati Ruanui representatives see the decision as a reason to celebrate and say they are overjoyed.

The decision by the Environmental Protection Agency outlined the application from Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd to mine in South Taranaki, did not take into account iwi interests and those of the local fishing industry.

It may also leave Energy and Resource Minister, Simon Bridges, a little embarrassed, as Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd may look to take their money elsewhere.

The CEO of Ngāti Ruanui was always confident they would come out on top, and those wishes have come true.

It hasn't been the best week for Simon Bridges and he may be feeling the pressure within his own cabinet to deliver results, and with Greenpeace calling for his resignation, things won't get easier anytime soon.