In formulating its strategic plan in 1998 the New
Zealand Minerals Industry identified two related critical issues facing it.
These are, broadly speaking, the issues of access to minerals; and the
perception the public has towards the industry and its behaviour towards the
environment.
This presentation will report on the Industry's response
to the public perception issue. The Industry has, through the NZMIA Council, and
its Communication and Website Committees, developed and implemented strategies
covering: communication through the print media, and through its website
www.minerals.co.nz, a long-term educational outreach programme with schools,
focussing on the significance of minerals, their contribution to community
wellbeing and the negligible long-term environmental effects of the Industry's
activities.