An independent economic analysis of WMS Group’s proposed operation at Mananui confirms the project and its supporting supply chain will provide a $37.9 million boost to the West Coast economy.
The company’s consent application to extract Heavy Mineral Sands on 110 hectares of privately-owned farmland at Mananui, south of Hokitika, will be submitted to the West Coast Regional Council within the next month and will be subject to a full public consultation.
WMS Group chair Duncan Hardie says the company has already worked closely with iwi, affected neighbours, conservation and interest groups as well as council leaders on how WMS can help to protect and enhance the area.
“It’s important to us to build lasting, positive relationships with our communities and our environment,” he says.
“By working together, we can support the ecology of this unique area and ensure it is looked after for future generations, while allowing for job creation and further growth in our region’s economy.”
A report by economics consultancy Sense Partners, commissioned by WMS Group, shows the operation will generate $71 million in export revenue each year and will boost West Coast GDP by 1.8 percent, supporting between 65 and 70 well-paying jobs.
A further 65 to 69 jobs in areas such as engineering, geotechnical and maintenance will be supported by the company’s $15.4 million of local spending.
WMS Group Managing Director Ray Mudgway says Mananui is an opportunity to apply all of the practices the company has trialled and improved in its first operation at Cape
Foulwind.
“At Mananui, we will run an electric pump system, balance our water use and plant more vegetation than we take out,” he says.
“Our intention is not only to reduce our environmental footprint, but to have a net-positive effect on the land around us. We know this is achievable thanks to all of our efforts to improve our operations and meet the consent conditions at our first site.”
“It’s exciting to have reached this point where we can share our plans openly with everyone as transparency is central to the way we operate as a business.”
“We look forward to further conversations with the wider community through the upcoming formal consent process,” says Ray Mudgway.
The Mananui project is expected to deliver high-value garnet, ilmenite and gold for export. As a pioneer of New Zealand’s critical minerals industry, WMS Group has already invested time and funds in developing an international customer base for its products and sees Mananui as the next step for industry growth.
