The Government will consider an American environmental group's arguments against mining on conservation land.
The Sierra Club, one of America's biggest environmental activist groups, has written to Prime Minister John Key, criticising plans to unlock land for exploration and warning that tourists might be put off coming to New Zealand if excavations go ahead.
The Minister for Energy and Resources, Gerry Brownlee, says there are already 82 mining operations on Department of Conservation sites.
"I haven't noticed that activity so far deterring tourists coming to New Zealand," he told Morning Report.
"The interesting thing is that there are a number of mine sites that attract large numbers of tourists - tens of thousands of tourists - in their own right," he says.
The Government has said it is committed to unlocking the mineral potential for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
'Short-term gain'
The two-page letter from the Sierra Club said says New Zealand's magnificent mountains and vistas would be marred by mining excavations.
It says extracting minerals from national parks for short-term economic gain is an affront to the international community.
The Sierra Club says ministers have the responsibility to protect New Zealand's wild heritage, for future generations and the sake of the planet.
The green group also warns that any intrusion into areas that attract international visitors, might in future put off tourists.
