Solid Energy confirms that it has, and has always had, the access rights to the Pike River Mine it acquired from Pike River Coal Ltd. The situation has been under discussion with the landowner over the course of the week.

"We accept that there was a genuine misunderstanding, but have now been advised by the land owner that he has told the protesters that they do not have the legal right to occupy the land. It is understood the protesters will now remove the gates they erected to block Solid Energy’s access" a spokesman for Solid Energy said.

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