25 Sep 2008

Solid Energy likely to close small West Coast mine

8:45 am on 25 September 2008

Solid Energy is likely to close a small coal mine on the West Coast within two years to concentrate on its larger operations.

The Terrace Mine in Reefton employs 31 people and produces about 40,000 tonnes of coal.

Solid Energy says it makes economic sense to close it as the other larger operations can produce far more coal.

The mine will stay open until mid 2009 and possibly a further year pending a review.

Solid Energy says Terrace Mine employees would likely work in other West Coast mines if it closes permanently.

The Buller district Mayor says that 10 years ago the possible closure of a mine would have been catastrophic.

But that's not the case now because the price of coal is good and mining work opportunities are abundant.