Headline: Govt must protect Northland from mercury contamination
“The short-term profits of a foreign mining company should not be put ahead of the local people’s right to live in a safe and healthy environment.”
The Green Party supports today’s protest at Puhipuhi and calls on the Government to withdraw the permits it has issued for gold exploration over old mercury mine sites in Northland.
By allowing gold prospecting in the area of one of the largest mercury sites in New Zealand, the Government is risking further mercury contamination.
“The National Government recently signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury which commits it to protect human health and the environment from mercury contamination,” said Green Party mining spokesperson Catherine Delahunty.
“Opening up the old mercury mine sites up in Puhipuhi for gold mining and prospecting is not in the spirit of the Minamata Convention.
“We support calls from the tangata whenua and local residents at Puhipuhi to stop gold prospecting activity over the contaminated sites because of the high risks posed from disturbing mercury sites.
“The potential short-term gain is not worth the risk to human health and the lifetime of environmental management required to manage the toxic waste left behind from gold mining.”
Mercury poisoning from the mines affected the men who worked there in the 1930s. The workers suffered from highly inflamed gums and loose teeth – early symptoms of mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning causes tremors, lung damage, kidney damage, nausea, and death.
“The Government should accept the invitation to engage with Ngati Hau and others about their alternative ideas for the economic development of their lands,” said Ms Delahunty.
“I have met with Ngati Hau and support their right to protect their area and promote economic activities that will sustain their livelihoods and enhance the natural environment.
“The short-term profits of a foreign mining company should not be put ahead of the local people’s right to live in a safe and healthy environment.”
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