Stockton Mine. Photo: Supplied/ Bathurst Resources
A West Coast coal mine says it is having to transport coal by trucks because of trespassers on the site's infrastructure.
The mining company Bathurst Resources says it became aware of people trespassing at Stockton Mine on Monday morning, and alerted police and WorkSafe.
It said it was working with police to resolve the matter quickly and safely.
The company said in order to continue operations, coal would be transported from the site by trucks to Ngakawau as an interim measure.
"The trucking of coal is not our preference, but we must maintain supply to our international steelmaking customers who rely on New Zealand coal to make high quality steel with the lowest possible emissions," chief executive officer Richard Tacon said.
There were "principal hazards" at the mine, Tacon said, "of which persons who have entered the site illegally may not be aware".
Trucking would happen between 7am and 7pm.
In April, several people were arrested and charged with trespassing after protesters tried to shut down Stockton mine because Bathurst Resources was seeking fast-track approval to extend it.
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