The government of New Zealand has opened a competitive minerals tender process for companies interested in exploring for platinum group elements (PGMs) on five areas on the nation’s South Island. Interested companies are invited to submit work program-based bids.
The launch of the tenders process followed consultation and engagement with native groups and local authorities between June 6 and August 1. The government is committed to ongoing engagement with native peoples and ensuring that areas of sensitivity are respected, David Binnie, general manager of New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals (NZP&M) said.
Companies interested in participating in the tender process have until April 2014 to submit staged exploration work program bids. NZP&M expects to grant the exploration permits in December 2014 for initial five-year periods.
Additional information about the tender process and maps of the tender areas can be accessed at: www.nzpam.govt.nz/cms/minerals/competitive-tender/2013/platinum-2013.
