Solid Energy says some Spring Creek Mine contractors have not been paid because things are "a bit messy".
A number of contractors have told the Greymouth Star they were not paid on the 20th of last month, as expected. Others said they had received payment late, but only after making a lot of phone calls.
Bus operator Cliff Sandrey said he thought it was more a communication problem within Solid Energy.
"We have had some problems getting purchase orders, but they've come through now and we're pretty right."
Some people said they had not chased up payment, while others had badgered staff.
Solid Energy spokesman Bryn Somerville said the company was not deliberately not paying.
"Things are just a bit messy."
There was no chance it would wind up its subsidiary, the Spring Creek Mine Company, he said. Solid Energy recently confirmed its debt as at June 30, was $295 million. By August it was $335 million, and is now $375 million.
- By Laura Mills of the Greymouth Star
