Latest from Minerals

NZ oil and gas exploration will get a substantial boost in government resources, including funding to chase deep-sea methane hydrates that have yet to be commercially exploited anywhere in the world.

Nearly 2000 engineering and manufacturing workers have agreed to accept a 3 per cent pay rise this year and the same again next year.

Better an utter, total if humiliating backdown than a messy compromise that keeps the mining issue alive into election year.

Despite environmental concerns persisting, local MPs are hopeful mining in Northland and on the West Coast will boost jobs.

The Govt this morning withdrew its proposal to open up more than 7000ha of conservation land to prospecting and mining.

The Govt will today scrap hugely controversial plans to mine some of the country's most pristine conservation land.

The Government is backing down on its decision to mine conservation land in the face of furious public protest, according to reports.

Cabinet is due to make a decision today on mining high value conservation land.

Investors have piled into gold on fears that capitalism is about to crumble, sending the gold price soaring to record levels.