Snapshot of minerals permit applications – January to end of March
This snapshot provides insights into how many minerals permit applications we received and how many application outcomes there were between 1 January and 31 March 2024.
We assess applications and issue permits to operators to prospect, explore and develop New Zealand’s mineral and petroleum resources.
These could be applications for new permits, or to make changes to current permits. We assess these applications against the legislative requirements to determine whether they should be granted.
Permit applications can take varying times for us to assess. It depends on the nature of the application, its complexity, and the completeness and quality of the information that has been provided.
New mineral applications
30 new minerals applications were received this quarter.
- Primary mineral applied for = Gold
- Primary location applied for = West Coast
- All applications are for onshore permits.
New minerals applications by type of permit
This bar graph shows the permit type of the new applications we received.
4 were for prospecting permits, 13 were for exploration permits, and 13 were for mining permits.
Outcomes on new applications
There were 23 outcomes on new applications – this could mean they were either approved, declined, rejected or withdrawn.
Outcomes on new applications by type of permit
This bar graph shows outcomes on new applications by type of permit.
3 were for prospecting permits, 7 were for exploration permits, and 13 were for mining permits.
Outcomes on applications by location
- 13 in the West Coast Region
- 5 in the Otago Region
- 3 in the Waikato Region
- 1 in the Tasman Region
- 1 in the Canterbury Region
Changes to minerals permits
48 change applications received this quarter.
Change to minerals permits by type of change
This pie chart shows changes to minerals permits applications by type of change.
30 were to make a change to a permit, 9 were for a full surrender, 6 were for consent to change of operator and/or transfer of interest, 1 was for an amalgamation, 1 was for a change of a name and 1 was for a correction of error.
Outcomes on applications to change a permit
There were 53 outcomes on applications - this could mean they were either approved, declined, rejected or withdrawn.
Outcomes on applications to change a permit by permit type
This bar graph shows 34 of the change application outcomes were for mining permits. 13 were for exploration permits and 6 were for prospecting permits.
Learn more about mineral permits
Learn more about the minerals industry and what the permit types mean on our website.
We also have 2 tools you can use to learn more about minerals permits across New Zealand.
The online permitting system
Our online permitting system lets people apply for, manage, and make changes to permits online. Members of the public can also use it to find information about granted permits and permit applications.
You do not need to register or login to do a public search. Find out more about how to use the public search at the link below.
Online permitting system – using the public search
The Minerals Permits Webmap
Our Minerals Permit Webmap is an online map using real-time data to show all current minerals permits and applications in New Zealand.