Climate Liberation Aotearoa Protesters Disrupt Stockton Mine Operations

In a bold and symbolic act of defiance, two members of the Climate Liberation Aotearoa group have climbed into a coal bucket at the Stockton Mine, using the aerial ropeway cables as a zip line to access the remote, high-altitude location. This action is part of a broader campaign to oppose Bathurst Resources Ltd's fast-track application to expand mining operations across the Buller plateaux to Denniston. The protesters, who are currently occupying the coal bucket, aim to disrupt the transport of coal from the mine for as long as possible.

Rachel Andrews, one of the protesters from Palmerston North, shared her thoughts from the coal bucket. She emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to prevent further environmental degradation. 'We're in a climate emergency, people are dying from climate disasters. We can't afford to burn the coal already out of the ground, let alone mining more,' she said. Andrews also criticized the fast-track process as undemocratic, claiming it allows a small group of decision-makers to ignore public concerns and prioritize profit over the environment.

The protesters have drawn support from a wide range of individuals and organizations who oppose the proposed mine and the fast-track application. According to Andrews, the action was carefully planned and represents a commitment to protecting future generations. 'I want to be able to tell my four grandchildren that I did everything I could to prevent a climate disaster,' she said.

The International Court of Justice has recently highlighted the urgent need for countries to address climate change by reducing emissions. However, Andrews pointed out that New Zealand is moving in the opposite direction by encouraging more mining and drilling for oil and gas. The proposed mine on the Denniston Plateau alone could generate up to 53 million tonnes of emissions, nearly equivalent to the country's total net emissions of 59 million tonnes.

Westport Sergeant Georgie Were confirmed that police are in communication with the protesters to negotiate their safe descent. The remote location of the coal bucket has made communication challenging. Meanwhile, local residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the mine for economic reasons and others backing the protesters' cause.

Bathurst Resources Ltd's CEO, Richard Tacon, acknowledged the right to protest but warned that the actions taken by the activists could be extremely dangerous. 'Climbing into coal buckets is risky. The protesters could accidentally trigger a lever, flip the bucket, and fall to their deaths,' he said.

As the situation unfolds, the protesters remain resolute in their mission. They are determined to continue opposing the mine and the fast-track process, despite the potential consequences. 'We will not stand idly by and accept this destruction,' Andrews said. 'We will continue doing everything we can to oppose Bathurst Resources' proposed mine.'