New Zealand's minerals and petroleum industry

Mineral estate

Crown-owned minerals are those minerals that are owned by New Zealanders and administered by the Crown, as set out in the Crown Minerals Act 1991.

Value and benefits

The mineral and petroleum industries are an important part of New Zealand’s economy.

Rules and regulations

The legislative framework for prospecting, exploration and mining Crown-owned minerals in New Zealand is set out in the Crown Minerals Act 1991.

Crown Minerals Act Law Changes Fast-track Approvals pathway

Petroleum

New Zealand’s oil and gas industry is built on the back of early exploration and development dating back to the 1950s. The modern industry in New Zealand has a well-developed oil and gas infrastructure and a proactive globally-competitive oil and gas regime.

History of petroleum Phases of petroleum exploration and production Petroleum statistics Tui Project New Zealand's petroleum basins

Factsheets

Factsheets for industry about New Zealand's petroleum and minerals.

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