Recent changes within the New Zealand energy scene have directed significant focus to Southland’s oil, gas and mineral resources.

Renewed interest in oil and gas exploration, both on-shore and off the Southland coast, has been stimulated by current government initiatives for exploration outside of the Taranaki Basin. Seismic surveying of the Great South and Solander Basins has helped further stimulate international interest in the energy potential of the area. As well as an increase in activity relating to oil and gas, there have been a number of promising Coal Seam Gas proposals.

Regional lignite deposits and sub-bituminous coals have also received substantial attention. Southland sits on 72% of the national recoverable coal and lignite reserves, which has created interest in the potential energy options available.

Southland also contains a range of minerals which may be considered for extraction and other value added opportunities. Included in this is silicon, which has gained importance with increasing demand from the electronic and energy sectors.

Southland has a proven track record associated with supporting the exploration and mineral industries. Southland’s regional transport network, port infrastructure and businesses are ideally suited to provisioning and servicing future exploration activities. This was demonstrated by the Penrod Rig refit, during the Hunt petroleum exploration era.

Southland was also a leader in the development of a regional energy strategy. The Southland Regional Strategy was completed in November 2003 and identifies key opportunities and priorities based on the Southland Regional Energy Assessment.

Highlighted here are the capabilities of the oil, gas and minerals support industries within the province. Southland contains a broad range of technical expertise and collaborative potential and the intent is to build recognition of these while providing a platform that allows potential exploration companies or investors direct access to relevant sectors and skills through a single port of call.