Coal Introduction

L&M Coal Ltd has five exploration permits and applications covering 272 square kilometres in the following geographic areas:  Buller, Kaitangata and Ohai in the South Island of New Zealand, and Maramarua and Whangamarino in the North Island of New Zealand.  We have identified resources of 125 million tonnes of coal using existing data sources and current exploration work.  We are currently carrying out geological studies, field work, further drilling, and coal quality assessments in order to update current resource estimates.

The demise of coal gas production from the Maui field, coupled with strong growth and demand for reliable energy, has reopened opportunities for commercial development of New Zealand’s extensive coal resources.  For the last two decades coal mining has been concentrated on the West Coast of the South Island and at Huntly in the Waikato, with minor operations in other fields.  Most coal regions have received little consideration, but were well evaluated previously.  This provides a sound knowledge base on which we have drawn an extensive and diverse portfolio.  Currently steel making, electricity generation, and cement manufacturing are the major uses of coal in New Zealand.  Coal is an economically viable alternative for New Zealand’s growing energy needs.

Location Map