Funding to investigate historic mine impacts

The environmental impacts of a former mine site on conservation land in the Marlborough Sounds are being investigated for remediation, Environment Minister Nicola Grigg and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced today.

“The Endeavour Inlet site was mined for antimony, a metal used in a range of industrial applications, between the 1870s and early 1900s, leaving waste rock behind in parts of the site,” Ms Grigg says. 

 The Ministry for the Environment and Department of Conservation (DOC) are each contributing $232,000 to the two-year project, enabling DOC to undertake a detailed site investigation and remediation planning. 

 “The investigation will assess the risk of contaminants and material from the mine in the scenic reserve and surrounding environment, and inform mitigation options for the soil, water, and ecology,” Ms Grigg says. 

 “The potential impacts of sea level rise will also be considered as part of the site, 27km northwest of Picton, is located on the margin of Endeavour Inlet.” 

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says the site is within a well-used recreational and coastal environment.

 “The Queen Charlotte Track crosses the valley flats near the Endeavour Inlet shoreline, and is used by a high number of hikers and bikers annually. A stream flows from the valley into the Inlet, which is surrounded by holiday homes and lodges, and shellfish are also harvested in the area.

 “The project will identify if stabilisation or safety work is required – including to protect heritage features, and will ensure that identified risks are understood and managed in a way that protects the environment so everyone can continue to enjoy this special area,” Mr Potaka says. ...