Solid Energy’s Reddale mine delivers first coal

Solid Energy’s new domestic coal mine, Reddale, has produced its first coal for the New Zealand market.

The coal from Reddale opencast mining operation, north-east of Reefton, will help provide continuity of supply for Solid Energy’s industrial customers on the West Coast and upper South Island. Reefton coal has long been valued for boilers because of its high reactivity and appropriate energy and ash.

Stephen Esposito, Solid Energy’s General Manager Opencast Operations, says “this is an important milestone for the company. While Reddale is a small mine, it is the first new mine we have opened in many years.”

Reddale Mine, operated by contractor Doug Hood Mining Ltd, will produce a total of about 140,000 tonnes of coal over two to three years. The mine site is an area which has been mined in the past and those older, mine-affected areas will be progressively remediated over the life of the mine. All mining and remedial works are expected to be completed within five years.