End of an era for Ohai Coal mine.
Business at the Ohai based coal mine 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. The viability of mines is often complex. Among the decision to close was:
· the loss of a major consumer
· the escalating environment compliance costs and future rehabilitation
· the overhead costs of an aging infrastructure
Final decommissioning and mine rehabilitation will begin in October, which is the process where the post-mined landscape is restored to the requirements of the Coal Mining License and those of the Regional and District Council requirements. It is predicted this process will take approximately 2-3 years.
The company has consulted with all staff, and unfortunately two positions were made redundant as a result of the decision to close. The appropriate support has been provided to those staff. We understand it has an impact on the people, many opencast and underground mines have been operating on this site for many years and is a big part of the communities’ history. All other staff will continue working at the mine assisting with the rehabilitation and supporting the company’s lignite mine at Newvale.
Thursday 30th September 2021 will be the last trading day for the public to purchase coal direct from the Ohai Mine. Despite the closure of the Ohai Mine, members of the public can still access coal from the merchants listed.
New Vale Coal Waimumu
DT King Otautau
Waikiwi Coal Waikiwi
The Woodshed Dunedin
Parklands Kennington
Ayto's Dairy Riverton
Allied(Gibbs) Invercargill
Riverton Hammer Hardware Riverton
Fulton Hogan Gore
Winton Motor Centre Winton
Northern Southland Transport
Mossburn/Te Anau
Alistair McCann Dunedin
RTL
Otautau Supervalue Otautau
Cromwell Mitre 10Cromwell
Te Anau Placemakers Te Anau
Upper Clutha Transport Luggate
Hanks Place Lumsden
Winton Night n Day Winton
Robb's Garage Roxburgh
Winton Mitre 10 Winton
Invercargill Mitre 10 Invercargill
JD Souness
Dave McKitterick Wool Ohai