Mining company Bathurst Resources lodges fast-track application to extend West Coast coal mining

Mining firm Bathurst Resources has submitted a fast-track application to prolong its coal mining activities on New Zealand's West Coast. The goal is to expand operations at the Stockton mine, located near Westport, and extract an estimated 20 million tonnes of coal from the Denniston and Stockton Plateaux over the next quarter-century. Stockton holds the distinction of being the largest open-cast mine in the nation, supplying steel-making coal for export purposes.

Bathurst's licences for coal mining in the region lapsed at the end of March 2027. Consequently, the company argued that there is no assurance that it would secure new consents through the standard process. Even if granted, permission might not be timely enough to prevent all mining activities from ceasing by March 2027. Employing 390 people in the Buller region, Bathurst cited the contentious nature of obtaining mining consents, which often attract substantial opposition and lead to protracted legal battles.

Environmental group Forest and Bird vehemently opposed the expansion of mining on the Denniston Plateau, asserting that much of the area is crucial conservation land. The plateau is home to the great spotted kiwi, giant snails, and unique lizards. In 2025, a group of around 40 protesters camped on the plateau and attempted to halt mining operations, claiming they managed to stall at least two days of extraction. They vowed to continue their fight against the Fast Track legislation.