The Government looks set to go ahead with plans to open up some Crown-owned land to prospecting and mining.
A discussion document will be released soon on potential changes to Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act, which bans mining on specified areas of Crown land.
In his speech to Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister John Key said he expects the Government to act on at least some of the recommendations that will be in the discussion document, and make significant changes to the schedule.
He says new mining on Crown land has the potential to increase economic growth and create jobs.
Mr Key says any new mines on conservation land will have to meet strict environmental tests.
Mr Key is proposing a new Conservation Fund be set up, potentially using royalties from mining operations, to pay for conservation projects.
