Solid Energy confirms changes at Stockton Mine in Buller

Solid Energy confirms changes at Stockton Mine in Buller

Solid Energy has today confirmed to its Stockton Mine staff that it will reduce the mine’s output and make changes to the way work is organised. The change, outlined as a proposal to staff on 6 June, is in response to continuing low international coal prices.

Chief Executive Dan Clifford says there was constructive feedback during the consultation period which resulted in some changes to the final structure.

As a result, Stockton’s workforce will reduce by 135 (two fewer than originally proposed on 6 June), from 521 to 386. Coal production at the mine will reduce from 1.9 million tonnes (Mt) a year to 1.4 Mt in the year to end-June 2015.

The decision will mean redundancy for 135 employees -- 33 management, technical, support services and administrative staff and 102 people employed under the collective agreement terms and conditions.

The company will now undertake a process to select employees for the remaining mining jobs and in other areas where fewer people are required. The selection processes are similar to those used by the company in earlier restructurings. It is expected that this will be completed by the end of July.

Note: Our 6 June 2014 statement is at http://coalnz.com/about/media-releases/2014/Solid-Energy-plans-production-and-job-reductions-at-West-Coast-export-mine.html

ENDS

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