Why it matters
The Buller Plateau is a unique landscape of vast sandstone pavements, fragile wetlands, and historically rare ecosystems.
Threatened wildlife
Denniston is home to roroa great spotted kiwi, endangered Powelliphanta land snails, unique lizards, and rare invertebrates. Specialised plant communities have adapted to the harsh environment, some found nowhere else.
Powelliphanta patrickensis
Much of the Denniston area is stewardship land – vital conservation land that should be for nature, not opencast coal mines.
But mining company Bathurst Resources plans to expand its coal mining operations across Denniston and much of the last untouched portion of the Stockton Plateau. The company wants to extract millions of tonnes of coking coal, primarily for export, over the next 25 years.
Worse still, they are using the controversial Fast-track Approvals Act. This process sidelines public input, limits environmental scrutiny, and prioritises development over protection for our precious natural environment.
Why we must act now
Irreversible destruction: Opencast mining will permanently destroy Denniston's unique ecosystems. Rehabilitation cannot recreate what is lost, and the risk of long-term water pollution from acid mine drainage is severe.
- Climate catastrophe: In a climate crisis New Zealand needs to protect the homes of endangered species, not destroy them for new coal mines. Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel. New Zealand must phase it out, not fast-track its expansion.
Taxpayer burden: We're already paying millions to clean up pollution from past mining at nearby Stockton. This expansion risks leaving New Zealanders with even greater environmental liabilities long after the profits have gone offshore.
Stewardship land is valuable: This is high-value conservation land. Allowing it to be mined sets a dangerous precedent for other precious public lands across Aotearoa.
Don't believe the spin
Jobs? Coal mining offers precarious employment, and Bathurst itself relies on overseas workers. Sustainable industries offer a better future for the West Coast.
Steel Needs? NZ's contribution to global coking coal is tiny (<0.4%). Stopping this mining expansion won't impact global steel but will save Denniston.
Environmental oversight? Bathurst has a history of environmental breaches, and the fast-track process weakens oversight.
What can you do
The unique wildlife and landscapes of the Denniston Plateau are too precious to sacrifice for coal. The Government must reject this fast-tracked mine expansion and ensure Denniston is protected for future generations.
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