Photo: Supplied / Climate Liberation Aotearoa
Police have charged seven protesters with trespassing after they tried to shut down a West Coast coal mine.
The mining company Bathurst Resources is seeking fast-track approval to extend its Stockton mine and extract 20-million tonnes of coal from the Denniston and Stockton Plateaux over the next 25 years.
Last week, about 70 people camped on Denniston Plateau, and, on Monday, several protesters climbed into cable cars used to transport coal, in order to halt operations.
Climate activist Adam Currie said protesters were willing to do what it took to get the mine shut down.
"We're drawing attention to the company's plans to expand coal mining across the nearby Denniston Plateau. It's a pristine environment with species found nowhere else," he said.
Police said seven people had been charged with trespass. One person was arrested and six others were summoned to appear in court.
A small number of protesters remained at the mine site on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, the mining company Bathurst said it was concerned for the trespassers' health and safety.
"On Easter Sunday, Bathurst became aware of issue-motivated persons trespassing the Escarpment mine site, which is located on the Denniston Plateau, West Coast region. We have also learned [on Monday] morning of unauthorised access to the nearby Stockton mine infrastructure at Ngakawau," the company said.
"Bathurst representatives have formally trespassed these individuals and will continue working with New Zealand Police on the next steps to secure the health and safety of the trespassers as soon as possible."
