State-owned coal miner Solid Energy has agreed to buy the Pike River Coal mine for $7.5m, but could pay a further $25m if the mine is commercially reopened.

Solid Energy, the state-owned coal miner earmarked for partial sale, lifted production in the first three months of the year by 24%, the most in eight quarters.

Strong hint the government will either float less than 49% of the state-owned coal miner or allow it to fully privatise major new projects, such as lignite coal developments, by selling them as subsidiaries.

Solid Energy, the state-owned coal miner, has told the Pike River commission of inquiry New Zealand should contract out its mine safety inspection services to Queensland, and that regulations here should mirror those in the eastern Australian state.

Receiver speaks out.