This year’s Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) conference in Wellington comes at a pivotal time for the New Zealand minerals and natural resource industries, NZMIA Chief Executive Doug Gordon says.

“It’s an election year, and that always means that parties take another look at what they are doing and where they stand on issues and that has potentially huge – and beneficial – implications for our country,” Mr Gordon said.

“I think that it’s important that this event is being held in the capital in election year and we will be inviting politicians from all parties along. As an industry, that is just another step in having them hear our voices, know our concerns, and most importantly, see the potential wealth creation on offer under their leadership.

A new petrochemical industry based on large resources of lignite - a low energy coal - in the South Island could produce transport fuels such as diesel, reducing our dependence on imported oil, as well as gas as a fuel, and industrial chemicals including methanol, and fertiliser.

“It takes more than a tonne of coal to produce a tonne of milk powder or cement. With planning accessibility to aggregates close to where they are needed, climate change, road wear and tear, and rate impacts may be reduced,” he said.

Mr Gordon said coal is required for economically viable steel-making, which is why it is sought after by other countries.

“We could be energy self-sufficient, independent of imported petroleum. Why aren’t we? From a nation that conquered Everest and split the atom, have we become completely risk averse?

“Rather than banning coal and gas for energy generation – which stifles foreign direct investment needed for exploration to know what we have in the way of oil, gas, coal, minerals – why aren’t we a world centre of excellence for wise use of these assets?” he asked.

The conference, at Wellington’s Duxton Hotel from Sunday, August 31, to Wednesday, September 3, will be opened by Associate Minister of Energy, Hon Harry Duynhoven on Monday 1 September at 9.00am.