The Decision Making Committee of the Environmental Protection Authority said it would take another six working days to reach a decision on Chatham Rock Phosphate’s marine consent application. A decision is now due on or by 10 February.
The DMC announcement said the delay for the decision, previously expected on or before 30 January, was due to the unavailability of DMC members during December and January.
CRP Managing Director Chris Castle said while he, along with all shareholders, wants a decision as quickly as possible, he is pleased the committee is taking its time to reach what he believes will be a positive result.
“ It’s a bit like exam results. We’ve know we have done the course work comprehensively, we’ve sat the exam and we know we answered everything well – now we are waiting for the results.
“We remain very confident 2015 will be an exciting year of progress for this project,” Castle said.