Key players in the mining industry, who met in Greymouth on Thursday, have been told to expect new health and safety regulations to be in place by the end of the year.
Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges outlined to the West Coast Minerals Forum plans that, he says, will bring New Zealand into line with international best practice.
The Government is still consulting on the changes suggested by the Royal Commission into the fatal Pike River explosion of 2010.
Mr Bridges says the bill, currently before a Select Committee, includes a stand-alone High Hazard unit.
Industry group Straterra's chief executive Chris Baker says the industry is welcoming the proposals.
He says it's positive the Government is not looking to a one-size-fits all approach and will meet the differing requirements of gold and coal mines, and quarries.
