UPDATED 8.36pm: It's the end of an era on the West Coast, with the last underground coal mine closing today.

The Roa mine near Blackball has shut up shop, leaving 20 people without jobs.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said despite the local economy diversifying, the closure still comes as a blow as they thought this was one mine that would continue.

LISTEN ABOVE: Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn speaks to Larry Williams

E tu Union Director of Industries Ged O'Connor said it's now even tougher for workers to find employment elsewhere.

"You know, maybe five years ago if something like this happened, they could go across to Australia. That's not happening at the moment," he said, saying it was no longer a viable option.

O'Connor said although it doesn't make things any better for workers, they do understand why the mine had to close.