Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder says a project exploring lignite mining in Southland remains very much alive, despite not being included in the Government's energy strategy.
The project was referred to in a draft copy of the strategy leaked in April by the Coal Action Network Aotearoa group which led a public protest against it.
The group says the change is a victory for the anti-mining campaign.
But Dr Elder says nothing should be read into the omission, as the strategy simply left out details of specific projects.
He says the proposal has the potential to deliver many well-paid jobs and earnings of $50 million per week, at a time when the country needs the money.
