When was the NZMIA established?

The Association was established in 1981, originally the New Zealand Mineral Exploration Association and later, following a name change in 1985, it became the New Zealand Mining and Exploration Association. Adoption of the current name in 1991 reflects the continual growth in the Association which now has a broader membership base following integration of the minerals industry, under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Who does NZMIA represent?

The Association represents private sector companies active in the exploration and production of precious metals, aggregates, industrial minerals, and coal.

Since the passing of the Crown Minerals Act and the Resource Management Act 1991, each sector now operates under the same legislation. For example, a sand or gravel pit operates under the same effects based rules as a limestone quarry or gold mine.

How do members participate?

The NZMIA is made up of corporate and associate members. Corporate members are companies directly involved in exploration activities and/or mineral production. Associate members are companies which provide support services to the industry, such as contractors, lawyers, accountants, and consultants.

How is NZMIA funded?

The Association is funded by members' subscriptions and other contributions from the industry. No government funding is received.

What does NZMIA do?

The Association is primarily involved in:

• Coordinating and representing minerals industry positions on matters of collective importance, such as:
  • environmental issues
  • access to mineral resources
  • occupational health and safety
  • policy and legislative initiatives at a central, regional and local government level
  • media and government liaison.
• Increasing awareness and knowledge of the minerals industry by collecting and disseminating up to date information to schools and the general public, supporting tertiary students' research and encouraging open discussion of critical issues.
• Supporting the development of industry performance standards aimed at best environmental practice.
• Encouraging and supporting investment in the minerals industry.

Currrent Activities……

The Association is currently involved in a broad range of initiatives including:

• Making submissions on behalf of member companies on regional and district plans, under the Resource Management Act.
• Providing an industry perspective to central government on issues of access to land for mineral exploration.
• Distributing educational publications to schools and the community.
• Supporting positive and accurate media portrayal of industry issues.

Further commitments……

The focus of the Association is also on increasing public awareness of the real and positive contribution of the minerals industry to New Zealand:

POLITICAL

• The Association maintains a political profile to ensure that decisions made by politicians recognise the value of the minerals industry.

EDUCATIONAL

• Educational institutions and the general public are provided with up to date information on New Zealand's mineral resources and the minerals industry to counteract the range of misinformation and prejudice surrounding the subject.

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Modern exploration, mining, and quarrying practices enable the industry to meet the environmental expectations of the community and the standards set by the statutory authorities. The Association promotes environmental responsibility among its members and actively liaises with natural resource users and environmental agencies, both government and non-government.

INTERNATIONAL

• The Association maintains close links with industry associations in other countries to facilitate the exchange of valuable data and ideas.

RESEARCH

• The Association funds research and provides statistical information to the industry.