Coal miner Pike River Coal Ltd is paying $1.16 million plus GST to the Grey District Council, towards the cost of upgrading its port to accommodate a coal trade which did not eventuate.

In November, Pike River announced it was no longer planning to ship its coal from Greymouth to Port Taranaki for export, favouring a rail route to Lyttelton Port.

Pike River’s voluntary payment included $1m towards council-owned Port Westland’s cost of redeveloping the Greymouth port, and $160,000 for a truck wash.

Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn welcomed the payment, which would be spread over three years.

Find More Other News : Coal, Company, Exploration, Mine Trade & Market, Mining Investment, Mining Top News