Spring Creek miners are being encouraged to move to Christchurch to help out the earthquake-hit city's rebuild, but will face much lower pay rates than in the mining industry.
Some 234 workers and 130 contractors will be without jobs after Solid Energy on Tuesday announced plans to mothball the West Coast coal mine.
Duncan Gibbs, general manager of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team, says more than 1000 new workers are needed to rebuild roading facilities.
The team is made up of five construction companies contracted by the Government and the Christchurch City Council to rebuild quake-damaged roads and underground pipe systems.
Mr Gibbs says the types of jobs for miners include underground service replacement, road works, labouring and machine and crane operating, but the pay can't compete with that offered in the mining industry.
A human resources team will be in Greymouth on Friday to talk to Spring Creek workers about moving to Christchurch.
