Reddale Mine, near Reefton in Buller District, is operated by Solid Energy and produces quality thermal coal for industrial and commercial customers in the upper South Island and West Coast. Reefton coal has long been valued for boilers because of its high reactivity and appropriate energy and ash.
Opened in early 2012, Reddale originally was a short-term project. The development of additional reserves in 2013-14 extended the mine life by at least four years and further potential opencast resources are nearby. Current production is about 45,000 tonnes of saleable coal a year.
Reddale Mine is in an area which has been mined in the past and those older, mine-affected areas are being progressively remediated over the life of the mine. Solid Energy’s Reefton-area operations include a coal washery and distribution centre.