Articles tagged with Exploration
Record Mineral Permit Applications Boost New Zealand’s Gold Mining and Exploration in 2025
1 day ago | 55 viewsNew Zealand’s mineral exploration and mining sector is experiencing strong growth, with record permit applications and approvals in 2025, particularly for gold projects concentrated in the South Island’s West Coast. The diverse mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits, along with the conversion of small-scale permits to a more suitable regulatory class, indicates healthy progression and increased confidence in the sector. This momentum, driven by multiple mid-sized projects and active permit management, supports regional economic growth, job creation, and New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy.
Tags: New Zealand Shane Jones mining exploration mineral permits gold West Coast New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals regional economic growth mining projects$200M Gas Security Fund Opens Jan 12, 2026 to Boost NZ Natural Gas Supply
1 month ago | 287 viewsThe $200 million Gas Security Fund, opening on 12 January 2026, aims to increase natural gas availability in New Zealand by supporting projects that accelerate supply or enable storage for critical demand periods. Declining gas production is raising costs and hindering economic growth, making natural gas essential during the transition to renewable energy sources. A new gas advisory panel will provide expert guidance to ministers, ensuring informed decisions amid the complexities of gas exploration and market conditions.
Tags: Shane Jones Chris Bishop Gas Security Fund New Zealand natural gas Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Kānoa Grow Regions gas exploration energy transitionPrime Minister’s Space Prizes 2025: Dawn Aerospace CEO & Student Honored
2 months ago | 381 viewsStefan Powell, co-founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace, and Southland student Sophie Ineson are the 2025 recipients of the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, recognized for their innovation and contributions to New Zealand’s growing space industry. The space sector has seen significant growth, with revenue increasing 53% to $2.68 billion and supporting 17,000 skilled jobs, highlighting its economic importance and potential. Both winners will receive financial awards to support their work and education, underscoring New Zealand’s commitment to fostering talent and leadership in the global space industry.
Tags: Stefan Powell Sophie Ineson Dawn Aerospace Prime Minister’s Space Prizes Christopher Luxon Megan Whelan Collins New Zealand space industry space exploration advanced aviation sector space sector growthBoosting New Zealand's Gas Supply: $200M Fund Expansion for Energy Security
3 months ago | 324 viewsThe Coalition Government has expanded the Gas Security Fund to attract investments that will increase New Zealand's gas supply in the short-, medium-, and long-term to address energy security challenges. The fund will support various projects, including drilling in existing fields, exploration, and storage initiatives, aiming to stabilize supply and manage seasonal demand. The initiative aims to mitigate perceptions of risk in the petroleum sector and promote regional procurement, with investment decisions made jointly by the Ministers for Resources and Finance.
Tags: Shane Jones Chris Bishop gas supply investment fund energy security petroleum sector gas exploration gas storage energy affordability New ZealandNew Zealand Revives Gas Exploration with Open Market Applications
4 months ago | 559 viewsPetroleum operators in New Zealand can now apply for new prospecting and exploration permits beyond Taranaki to boost gas reserves, thanks to a new open market application pathway introduced alongside the Block Offer competitive tender process. The exploration ban in 2018 had a negative impact on the gas sector, hindering investment and exploration efforts, leading to energy security concerns. To revitalize exploration activity, the government is focusing on streamlining permit processes and offering co-investment opportunities in new gas fields, while also introducing a new Tier 3 permit category for hobby miners to encourage small-scale gold mining across the country.
Tags: Shane Jones Petroleum operators Exploration permits Gas reserves Block Offer New Zealand Energy security Budget 2025 Hobby miners Regulatory scrutinyBreaking Ground: New Zealand's First Supercritical Geothermal Exploration at Rotokawa Reservoir
5 months ago | 559 viewsThe Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in New Zealand's Taupō Volcanic Zone has been chosen for the country's first supercritical geothermal exploration, with plans to develop multiple wells for enhanced power output. The site selection followed thorough geological studies and risk assessments, with a focus on involving the local community and cultural considerations. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between stakeholders to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy, with a multi-disciplinary team working on regulatory approvals, design, and drilling for the project's success.
Tags: Shane Jones Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir New Zealand geothermal energy Tauhara North No. 2 Trust Earth Sciences New Zealand supercritical geothermal exploration Regional Development Minister Mercury NZ Ministry of Business.New Zealand Petroleum Exploration Permits Open in September: Crown Minerals Amendment Bill Impact
6 months ago | 1077 viewsThe Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, following its third reading, will allow operators to apply for new petroleum exploration permits starting in September. The Bill removes the ban on oil and gas exploration beyond onshore Taranaki, introduces a new tier of permit for small-scale non-commercial gold mining, and aims to boost investment in Crown-owned minerals. Changes in liability for decommissioning costs and the need for clarity in regulatory burden and risk are also addressed in the Bill to enhance investor confidence and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones petroleum exploration permits Crown Minerals Amendment Bill oil and gas exploration energy security natural gas decommissioning investment liability