Coal news and updates

End of an era: Ohai coalmine in Southland to close

The Ohai coalmine is closing in two weeks and rehabilitation of the site is expected to begin next month.

Ohai and New Vale coal general manager Antony Stodart said: “Business at the Ohai-based coalmine is coming to an end after the decision was made to cease mining operations.

“The decision comes after months of deliberation by the board, assessing the long-term financial viability of the business.”

September 30 will be the last trading day for the public to purchase coal direct from the mine.

Both the Ohai and New Vale coalmine – the latter of which is located in Waimumu, southeast of Gore – are owned by Greenbriar Ltd. Greenbriar is wholly owned by Palmer MH Ltd, a privately owned resources company based in Dunedin.