Remove Seabed Mining from the Fast- track Approvals Act 2024.
The issue
Seabed mining is a destructive practice of stripping the ocean’s seabed for metals and minerals using techniques that are similar to nearshore dredging and aggregate mining operations.
Seabed mining can potentially harm marine ecosystems, particularly in sensitive deep sea- habitats. This is because seabed mining can lead to the destruction of habitats for numerous marine species. This disruption may have long- lasting effects on the ecosystem.
The mining process generates sediment plumes that can travel long distances, affecting water quality and light penetration. These plumes can clog the gills of fish and other marine organisms, leading to respiratory issues and decreased survival rates.
As the demand for minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements increases, the push for seabed mining intensifies. However, the potential environmental impacts raise serious concerns about the sustainability of such practices.
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 simplifies the seabed mining process in New Zealand by allowing projects to apply for multiple approvals through a single streamlined process which is managed by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 speeds up the process for proposals of such as seabed mining and other mining projects which qualify for Fast-track.
We aim to remove Seabed mining projects proposed in NZ from the Fast- track Approvals Act 2024.
This could have several benefits:
1. Stronger environmental assessment- a standard approval process allows for more detailed scientific assessment of these environmental effects.
2. More public participation – the normal consent process provides greater opportunities for local communities, iwi, environmental groups, etc. This can help to improve transparency and public confidence in the decisions made about seabed mining projects proposed in NZ
3. Higher quality decision-making – longer assessment time allows decision-makers to consider more scientific evidence and expert opinions before approving a project.
Help save Aotearoa's magnificent coastlines with unique marine biodiversity. Sign our petition today to be a part of protecting this amazing place we call home and ensure that any proposed seabed mining projects are properly vetted and not 'Fast Tracked'!!
Project of Rebecca Surgenor and Laya Rajaneesh
163
The issue
Seabed mining is a destructive practice of stripping the ocean’s seabed for metals and minerals using techniques that are similar to nearshore dredging and aggregate mining operations.
Seabed mining can potentially harm marine ecosystems, particularly in sensitive deep sea- habitats. This is because seabed mining can lead to the destruction of habitats for numerous marine species. This disruption may have long- lasting effects on the ecosystem.
The mining process generates sediment plumes that can travel long distances, affecting water quality and light penetration. These plumes can clog the gills of fish and other marine organisms, leading to respiratory issues and decreased survival rates.
As the demand for minerals like cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements increases, the push for seabed mining intensifies. However, the potential environmental impacts raise serious concerns about the sustainability of such practices.
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 simplifies the seabed mining process in New Zealand by allowing projects to apply for multiple approvals through a single streamlined process which is managed by the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 speeds up the process for proposals of such as seabed mining and other mining projects which qualify for Fast-track.
We aim to remove Seabed mining projects proposed in NZ from the Fast- track Approvals Act 2024.
This could have several benefits:
1. Stronger environmental assessment- a standard approval process allows for more detailed scientific assessment of these environmental effects.
2. More public participation – the normal consent process provides greater opportunities for local communities, iwi, environmental groups, etc. This can help to improve transparency and public confidence in the decisions made about seabed mining projects proposed in NZ
3. Higher quality decision-making – longer assessment time allows decision-makers to consider more scientific evidence and expert opinions before approving a project.
Help save Aotearoa's magnificent coastlines with unique marine biodiversity. Sign our petition today to be a part of protecting this amazing place we call home and ensure that any proposed seabed mining projects are properly vetted and not 'Fast Tracked'!!
Project of Rebecca Surgenor and Laya Rajaneesh
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 29 July 2026