Contractors at the Pike River mine are meeting company managers this week to discuss the future of their jobs.
Pike River Coal chairman John Dow says the company issued force majeure notices to some of its transport operators last week.
The notices relates to events beyond the company's control which make it impossible to meet contractual obligations.
Doubt also surrounds the jobs of plumbers, electricians and engineers who work as contractors. Mr Dow says talks this week will address their future.
The local organiser for the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, Garth Elliott, says mining is a major source of income for the West Coast and most coasters would like to see the mine reopened eventually.
