By BROWN, Giles The West Coast is set to experience a latter-day gold rush as coal prices soar and mining increases, believes Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn. However, the Green Party warns the boom may come at a price for the environment and New Zealand's reputation abroad.

By CREAN, Mike West Coaster Tom Brazil went from the bottom to the top in his career in the coal industry. Starting as a junior mine worker, near his home town of Reefton, he graduated to miner before advancing to mine management.

By WYLIE, Katie; COX, Sandra West Coast surfers are fuming that a mining operation -- which could carve up their favourite beach -- has been given the green light.

By COX, Sandra The widow of a West Coast coalminer killed underground is welcoming a Labour Department appeal against the sentences imposed over her husband's death.

By COX, Sandra A decision on whether to charge a driver over a fatal bus crash on the West Coast will be made in three to four weeks. The Stray Travel coach left State Highway 6, 30km south of Westport, on Saturday, and tumbled 10m down a bank, killing a 62- year-old British tourist.