Trans-Tasman Resources seabed mining project fast-tracked in New Zealand

Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) has been added to New Zealand's fast-track projects list for its seabed mining plan in the South Taranaki Bight. The company aims to extract 50 million tonnes of seabed annually for 30 years, claiming it will create hundreds of jobs and boost the economy. Opponents, including environmental groups and local iwi, criticize the project as harmful to the environment and question its economic benefits. They argue that TTR has not proven the project is safe and that it disregards previous court rulings against seabed mining. The fast-track legislation is currently with the Environment Select Committee, with a report expected in mid-October. The final project list will be finalized and passed into law by the end of the year.