Waitara Valley methanol plant near New Plymouth is to be mothballed. Taranaki politicians, business leaders, and the oil and gas sector have reacted with disappointment at Methanex NZ's decision to mothball the Waitara Valley methanol plant. Some activities at Waitara Valley, such as truck loading, would continue to supply the local market. “It is not something we haven't seen before as both Motonui and Waitara Valley have been mothballed before,” he said. Methanol production from the three Taranaki plants amounted to three per cent of the world’s methanol market, and the business represents 10 per cent of the Taranaki economy, employing and supporting hundreds of staff and contractors.

Source: Stuff February 23, 2021 20:29 UTC