Media Release

Environmental protestors target Solid Energy contractor

12 May 2006

Coal producer Solid Energy says it's appalled that environmental protesters are trying to intimidate Geovert Ltd into breaching its contract with Solid Energy and stopping work on the Mt Augustus ridgeline at Stockton Opencast Mine.

Solid Energy today released copies of a letter send by Frances Mountier of Save Happy Valley Coalition to Geovert, which is contracted to build the rockfall protection barrier and other work on the Stockton ridgeline, along with a copy of a letter sent to Ms Mountier by Chief Executive Officer, Dr Don Elder.

Dr Elder comments: "Save Happy Valley Coalition is now threatening a contractor with unfounded legal action in their ongoing efforts to stop mining at Stockton. Obviously they believe they can undermine our business by targeting people who work with us. Ms Mountier and SHVC need to be very clear that this is unacceptable and that we will not hesitate to issue proceedings against them if their threats affect our contract with Geovert, or any other contractor or supplier."

"This behaviour is unacceptable as is their previously stated belief that they are above the law and their stated intention to undertake whatever means they deem necessary, even if these activities are inappropriate or illegal."

"Solid Energy was last month granted a Wildlife Permit to move snails from the Mt Augustus mining blocks at Stockton to a nearby habitat. The permit expressly provides for construction of rockfall protection barriers, silt fences and other works. We will search and move any snails before we start work on site. As a company we operate within the law. We require our contractors to do the same which is more than can be said for SHVC."

"Coalition members have already been convicted of illegal activities. It is also questionable whether they have the necessary permissions and consents to continue their semi-permanent occupation of the proposed Cypress Mine site in the Buller," Dr Elder says.

For further information contact:
Vicki Blyth
Communications Director
Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd
Telephone: 03 345 6000
Mobile: 021 670 250