23 February 2011

Solid Energy advises that all its mining operations are continuing to operate as normal.

Any coal available for export is being stockpiled at our mines, says Chief Operating Officer Coal, Barry Bragg.

At present the West Coast coal route and Lyttelton Port of Christchurch are closed. The rail and port operators, KiwiRail and Lyttelton Port of Christchurch respectively, are inspecting their facilities and we are awaiting their reports.

We expect to issue force majeure notices for the interruptions to shipments that we suffer as a result of the Christchurch earthquake event.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>