Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Solid Energy in talks with banks as finances deteriorate

Solid Energy in talks with banks as finances deteriorate

Feb. 21 (BusinessDesk) - Solid Energy, the state-owned coal miner whose chief executive quit this month, is in talks with its banks because of its deteriorating financial position.

The coal miner, which is carrying some $389 million of debt, is heading for a “significant” first half loss, chairman Mark Ford said in a statement.

“We are in discussions with our banks and Treasury on the debt and equity support required for future operations of the business,” Ford said. “A restructuring and turnaround plan for the company is being prepared by the newly appointed board in support of these discussions.”

Don Elder resigned this month after 12 years as CEO, following most of the company’s previous board of directors and hundreds of staff out the door.

In August last year Solid Energy reported a $40 million loss for the year to June 30, the mothballing of the Spring Creek underground coal mine near Greymouth and an end to plans to extend the Huntly East mine in the absence of new contracts with its main customer, the New Zealand Steel mill at Glenbrook.

Writedowns of $151.7 million were included in the result, with further post-balance date writedowns yet to be declared.

Ford said Solid Energy’s performance has also been hampered by weak world coal prices, which touched US$140 a tonne in September, down from US$224 a tonne in June.

“This coal market downturn has resulted in weak prices negatively impacting the company’s operating results for the half year,” he said.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall said Solid Energy is facing “very significant financial challenges.”

“The new chair and board are focussing on a return to a core coal business which is viable at current world prices,” Ryall said. “The public is aware that there had already been restructuring at the company but more may be required.”

Ryall and Finance Minister Bill English have called a press conference on the matter.

(BusinessDesk)

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.