By WEIR, James PIKE River Coal is expecting good prices of more than US$300 a tonne for its export coal, with India desperate for coal and China becoming a net importer for the first time this year.

Pike River Coal expects to crank up to 150 staff by June next year when it plans to be in full production. The West Coast underground coal mine in the Paparoa range 46km north of Greymouth posted a loss of $1.14 million yesterday for the year to June 2008.

By STEEMAN, MartA Pike River Coal (PRC) expects to crank up to 150 staff by June next year when it plans to be in full production. The West Coast underground coal mine in the Paparoa range, 46km north of Greymouth, posted a loss of $1.14 million yesterday for the year to June 2008.

By WOOD, Alan PIKE River Coal expects investor interest to intensify as prices skyrocket and after it starts extracting coking coal from a target seam. Prices for coking coal used in steel manufacture could double, according to reports. Both PRC and the state-owned Solid Energy are set to benefit.

By CHURCHOUSE, Nick APPROVAL to source an extra $37.9 million has Pike River Coal flush with cash till its West Coast mine starts producing.