The Otago Conservation Board will oppose any moves by the Government to open Mt Aspiring National Park to mining exploration.
Board members debated the issue at a meeting held at the Tarras Hall yesterday.
They voted unanimously to express their "abhorrence" to Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee at the concept of mining in Mt Aspiring going ahead.
"We need to use the strongest language possible to get our message across," board chairman Hoani Langsbury said.
The board's stance came in response to a letter from Mr Brownlee which stated the Government's "determination" to raise living standards in New Zealand by the "astute" balancing of conservation values and economic growth principles.
"We see our mineral resources playing a significant role in this for the benefit of all New Zealanders," the letter said.
The Government is due to release a discussion paper this month identifying the proposed changes to schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act, which currently prohibits mining in national parks.
Board members also agreed an amendment to a draft of the Mt Aspiring National Park management plan might also be needed to include their stance against mining in the area.
The existing draft management plan allows for mining in the national park, subject to a concession application.
