Most people pass their days with no thought of the role mining plays in their lives. They know where to buy the things they want but seldom consider their origins.

• Food comes from a grocery store
• Electricity from a wall socket
• Tools from a hardware store
• Cars from a dealer
• Appliances from a department store

If we think of how these things are created many of us would probably begin with farms, factories, and power stations.

In fact, they all begin with mining.

Without minerals, we could not till our soil, build our machines, supply our energy, transport our goods or maintain any society beyond the most primitive. Our 'horn of plenty' starts with a hole in the ground. We are in trouble if we forget that!

'Many essential human needs can only be met through goods and services produced by Industry... Thus all nations require and rightly aspire to efficient industrial bases to meet changing needs'

[introduction]
[mineral exploration in New Zealand]
[mining & other land uses]
[history of mining in New Zealand]
[mining legislation: permits & access]
[environmental controls: the RMA]
[taxation & royalties]

[site map]
[overview]
[about NZMIA]
[minerals industry in New Zealand]
[resources for schools]
[research & development]
[mineral moments]
[what's new?]
[downloads]
[links to other sites]