Rare Mollusc Forces Solid Energy to Mine at Snail's Pace

Giant snails have caused a massive headache for New Zealand's biggest coal exporter.

Solid Energy says that conservation laws have cost the company €19m and 19 months in delays after 5,300 rare giant land snails were discovered in its new mine on the west coast of the South Island.

Law requires that the Powelliphanta Augustus snails be collected and moved to a new habitat before mining of coking coal can be resumed. This has led to major delays in shipments.

Each snail costs €3,300 to be found and relocated and it was initially predicted that only 500 to 1,000 snails were present on site.