16 Feb 2012

Labour Department closes mine

5:19 pm on 16 February 2012

The Labour Department has closed a mine because it does not meet New Zealand safety standards.

Acting chief mine inspector Gavin Taylor would not name the mine or confirm whether it is a coal or a gold operation but the department has confirmed it is an underground mine.

Mr Taylor says he is still in discussions with the mine's operator and can not say exactly what the problem is that has led to the shutdown.

He says it needs to be in full compliance before it can resume operations.

Mr Taylor says he has checked seven mines since he has been in the chief inspector role and while there were a few issues at other mines they were not serious enough to lead to closures.