The truth is, we don’t know the full scale impact as Seabed Mining of this kind has not been done anywhere before, globally.

Here is what we do know:

Originally, Trans Tasman Resources Ltd (TTRL) failed to identify the extent of the rocky reef system along the South Taranaki Coast and which will be impacted by their application. Evidence of these reefs including the significant biodiversity and marine life that is supported by these reefs was provided by submitters and Taranaki regional council. 

TTRL found large rock lobsters on patch reefs, a type of reef found nowhere else in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The health of rocky reef ecosystems will be potentially compromised and will be adversely impacted by the proposed Seabed Mining.

Other reefs closer to the proposed mining site have also been identified, including blue cod nurseries and sponge gardens. 

In September 2022, a NIWA Report indicated high levels of rocky reef systems in the area. Effects to these systems have not been adequetly considered by TTRL or experts.

The NIWA Report, titled: ‘Offshore subtidal rocky reef habitats on Pātea Bank, South Taranaki’, and prepared for Taranaki Regional Council, can be found here: https://www.trc.govt.nz/assets/2238-TRC002-FINAL-Offshore-subtidal-rocky-reef-habitats-on-Patea-Bank-South-Taranaki-2.pdf

Many different populations rely on these reefs including fisheries, marine mammals, sea birds and divers (Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, KASM, submission, page 10): “the hard rocky reef ecosystem is significant to the local and regional fishery, as well as the marine mammals such as the Maui and Hector’s dolphin, some of the largest colonies of fairy prion, and little penguins. Divers frequent the areas. “ (Ref. SOE of John Cockrem, 2017 and 2023)

There is disagreement amongst experts on the reliability of the plume modelling produced by TTRL.

Criticism of the modelling focuses on a lack of appropriate input data regarding weather and wave heights in the South Taranaki Bight, i.e. that the current plume modelling downplays the extremity of weather in the region and the size of the plume or large cloud of sandy material that is returned to the sea after mining and how far it will travel.

This plume has the effect of smothering marine life and covering delicate reefs in residue that inhibits marine flora to thrive.

The absence of a financial bond from TTRL also raises critical questions about accountability in the event of environmental damage or operational failures.

Without a clear liability structure, the burden may fall on local governments or communities, leaving them exposed to potential financial and highly damaging ecological risks. 

TTRL have continually made exaggerated or misleading representations in the media about the benefits and consequences of the proposal including: 

+ A TTRL February 2022 investor presentation told investors that seabed mining would have “No impact on fish, whales or dolphins”, contrary to evidence brought by Kiwi’s Against Seabed Mining (KASM) from the world’s expert on the South Taranaki Bight’s gentically distinct and rare pygmy blue whales, who has published ten peer-reviewed papers about the mammals.

In refusing consent in 2014, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) advised TTRL to undertake marine mammal surveys in the Bight, but TTRL still has not done so ten years later. 

+ In November 2023 the company told investors the that the Supreme Court had ruled “in support of project”, when in fact the Court had upheld the previous two courts’ quashing of the entire consent, and sent TTRL back to the EPA to prove its new test of “no material harm.” 

+ On 28 March 2024, when announcing to the ASX the company was withdrawing from the EPA hearing process Manuka Resources told investors it had “EPA environmental consents and conditions to operate approved in 2017”, making no mention of the fact the consents had been quashed by three courts. 

Furthermore, after engaging with the Taranaki and Manawatū community for over ten years and having that community spend time and money attending Environment Protection Agency hearings on the proposal, TTRL withdrew from this process altogether, without compensation to other parties. TTRL withdrew right before the final decision was made, thus avoiding a negative outcome for themselves.

TTRL also originally denied presence of rocky reef in the region - they were trying to paint it as a barren sea floor. 

“The initial application prepared by TTRL stated there were very few reef systems in the area and as a result a largely barren seabed. Therefore the impact of seabed mining would be minimal. “ - KASM submission 

Now TTRL have sought a consent through fast-track, a process by which they do not need to engage with the local community and only need to consider input from councils and iwi authorities.

Therefore, the divers’ and fishermen’s extensive knowledge which has informed decision makers in the past on where key reefs systems are, what marine life lives there, etc, are excluded from being considered.