Coal in New Zealand

The coal mining industry has a strong past in New Zealand - and an equally strong future. Solid Energy Ltd, the country's biggest coal company has been instrumental in rapid developments within the industry over the last ten years. They have lifted coal exports from almost nil to over 1 million tonnes a year, increased productivity, and developed new export mines.

The markets for New Zealand coal have spread to include Pacific Rim countries like Japan, Chile, China. Australia, and the United States, and reached further beyond to Europe.

Sub-bituminous (steaming) coals from the West Coast have low ash and sulphur, making them an attractive energy source in a world which demands more environmentally-friendly coal to fuel electricity generating stations.

Within New Zealand coal has maintained a sound share of the energy market and supplies the local steel industry, electricity generating stations, and steam coal for industry.