Media Release

Industrial Action at Greymouth Underground Mines

7 May 2003

Miners at Solid Energy's Strongman and Spring Creek Underground Mines near Greymouth have given notice of a 48-hour industrial stoppage, commencing 11pm tonight (7 May 2003).

The miners, represented by the New Zealand Amalgamated Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union (NZEPMU) are taking the action in response to negotiations with Solid Energy over a new Collective Agreement (CA). The previous agreement expired at the end of March this year.

Solid Energy's Greymouth Area Manager, Wayne Merriman, says: "We understand the issues and we are committed to good faith bargaining and to finding a resolution to current negotiations."

The action involves 87 union members, covered by the CA, employed by Solid Energy at the company's two Greymouth underground mines Strongman 2 and Spring Creek.

Strongman 2 mine primarily produces coal for export, mainly for use in Japanese steel mills and by coke makers. Strongman 2 Mine will close in September 2003 and be replaced by Spring Creek Mine which is currently in development and scheduled to begin full production towards the end of the year. All staff employed at Strongman 2 will transfer to Spring Creek Mine.

For further information contact:
Vicki Blyth,
Communications Director,
Solid Energy New Zealand Ltd
Tel: 03 353 0100