Alluvial gold-mining on the West Coast : The land management problem : [dissertation, Diploma of Natural Resources, Lincoln College]

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to provide a preliminary evaluation of the licence conditions which apply to those mining privileges which are being granted for alluvial gold-mining in-the West Coast region of the South Island. Administration of the mining licences is complex and time-consuming and each affected government department is already overburdened with the cumulative impact from the many 'small-scale' operations. Until recently, this pressure has been due mainly to the ponderous documentation procedure. However, an increasing need is now being felt for on-site control of the growing numbers of these operations. In anticipation of the growth of this industry over the next decade or so, this report looks at the adequacy of the licence conditions as perceived during random visits to several operations on Crown land and State forest land in around Greymouth and Hokitika. The issues discussed focus on those aspects of land management where the administrative role could be strengthened to cope with present and future weaknesses related to management of the on-site mining activities. The main shortcomings appear to be the lack of guidelines for rehabilitation/post-mining development of the land, and the poor on-site supervisory control of licence conditions in some cases. The Forest Service, with complete jurisdiction over all activities on State forest land has developed a comprehensive approach which fulfils its own special requirements. This approach provides useful background for other agencies and landowners, who if properly coordinated, could accomplish a similar level of purpose. General recommendations are made along these lines although no procedural policy is pursued.