Solid Energy poised to unveil mine cuts

Solid Energy's Spring Creek mine on the West Coast. Photo / Greymouth Star

Solid Energy is expected to today reveal cuts at two mines as it strives to reduce costs.

Earlier this month the state-owned company revealed it was "reviewing all aspects of its business in response to extremely challenging market conditions".

Huntly East Mine and Spring Creek in Greymouth are reported to be facing cuts.

Workers at the Spring Creek Mine have been called to a meeting today.

Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn said workers do not know what the meeting is about, but are nervous about job cuts.

"We've been informed by Solid Energy that they're meeting the staff and from that they will make a decision as to the fate of the Spring Creek mine here in Greymouth.

"There's a lot of speculation around. We just hope it's not as bad as what a lot of people are talking, so we really wait to find out what Solid Energy are doing. We know they're bleeding $200 million in their budget for next year."

Kokshoorn is worried about the number of workers heading to Australia, saying once they are gone it will be hard to get them back.

-Newstalk ZB, Herald Online