Mine workers at 2 collieries owned by Solid Energy are due to meet company bosses as the threat of job losses looms.

Some 230 workers at Spring Creek mine on the West Coast and about the same number at Huntly East mine in North Waikato have been called to meetings at 1.30 PM on Wednesday.

Last week the state owned company announced a nationwide review of its operations following a poor financial performance and a drop in international coal prices.

Coal from Spring Creek is exported through the Port of Lyttelton and most coal from Huntly East is consumed by the Glenbrook Steel Mill. Solid Energ also runs five open cast mines, but they appear not to be affected.

The miners union, the EPMU said that it is in the dark over Solid Energy's intentions and is not keen to speculate just what might happen.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said that the community hopes there won't be any redundancies, but admits the company's tough position means they need to be realistic about the likelihood of job losses.

Source - Radio New Zealand

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