Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee has released details of the controversial review of the mineral potential of conservation land.
In August he announced that the Government was planning a stocktake of valuable minerals in Conservation land protected under Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act.
He said a stocktake was "perfectly reasonable" and did not indicate the Government would allow conservation land to be dug up.The Green Party opposed the move and organised a petition and protests.
Today, Mr Brownlee said a discussion document on the proposed changes would be released in February for six weeks' consultation.A final paper would go to Cabinet in June for approval.
Ministry of Economic Development and Department of Conservation officials were satisfied "cautious progress" was being made in analysing the mineral potential of the land, Mr Brownlee said."Work is currently under way on assessing the mineral and conservation value of the various areas.
"These will be identified in the discussion document, as well as any proposed changes to Schedule 4," he said.
