Pike River recovery years away

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Pike River mine disaster

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Recovery of the bodies of the men killed in the Pike River Coal mine disaster is not expected to be completed for at least 3 1/2 years, a new independent report says.

The estimates in the draft independent review by engineer Bruce McLean depend on a successful sale of the mine.

Even with a sale, the report does not expect recovery of the bodies until some time between July 2015 and June 2017.

That timetable depends on the completion of a new shaft or tunnel to establish a ventilation circuit by June 2014.

An explosion in the Pike River mine on November 19, 2010, killed 29 men working in the mine.

Counsel for the families, Nicholas Davidson QC, said the draft review considered the issue of what would happen if the mining interests were not sold.

Little attention had been paid to that possibility so far, but it was highlighted by comments on Thursday from former Pike River Coal shareholder NZOG.

NZOG said the Pike River receivers had advised there were now three potential outcomes from the sales process they were undertaking - an outright purchase of the mine; a structured deal with a smaller upfront payment and future payments dependent on certain outcomes being achieved; and sale of the removable assets only.

Davidson said the dates in the draft independent review were the earliest that McLean had assessed.

"Against this there are contingencies in each of the issues identified, which could see recovery delayed by several years more."

If the mine was not sold, the report identified the need for some party to take over responsibility for the mine, including recovery of the bodies.

"The role of Government would be critical in those circumstances," Davidson said.

"The Prime Minister's assurance that money is not the issue, and that a safe and credible plan is needed, resonates with the families, with this new information available to them."

Even if fundamental tasks were achieved, re-entering the mine and recovery of the bodies was still regarded as difficult and hazardous. A key decision was whether the entry point was in coal or stone.

Simply sealing the mine in the event it was not sold, was not considered viable.

Mining had been carried out upwards, and the mine would release methane into the future. It could no be flooded.

"If it is simply sealed, the risk of seal deterioration indicates risk of further explosions and doing nothing may be no option for the  government."

- © Fairfax NZ News