Big reduction in coke supply

Press, 5 August 1983, Page 3

Big reduction in coke supply

Greymouth reporter

The closing of the Christchurch Gasworks has led to a “drastic reduction” in the amount of coke available on the New Zealand market, according to the Minister of Energy, Mr Birch.

“This was not too noticeable over the first 18 months, as most merchants carried stockpiles and were able to supplement supplies from the Dunedin Gasworks,” the Minister said in a letter to the West Coast Regional Development Council.

However, the Dunedin Gasworks had recently advised that it was unable to continue supplies to Christchurch as local de-

mand would use most of its coke output. “Inquiries have been made in Australia for suitable coke, and while it is available, the landed cost would be $2OO to $3OO a' tonne, depending on whether the coke is shipped in bulk (about 3000 tonnes) or containers (about 20 tonnes each),” said Mr Birch. The West Coast Development Council yesterday called for submissions on the development of a cokemaking industry on the West Coast. “Interest has been shown, and a consultant will be meeting with the council next month,” it said. There are no gasworks on the West Coast.