Mining experts look at Pike River recovery plan

Families of the Pike River disaster victims are hoping a group of international mine safety experts will be able to give its approval to a plan aimed at re-entering the mine.

The families have enlisted the help of New Zealand mining expert David Feickert, who has been advising the Chinese Government on mine safety.

Mr Feickert and two British mining experts are in Greymouth for five days and will meet with Solid Energy, Mine Rescue and other experts in the area.

Mr Feickert says it could be possible to enter the main shaft of the mine to retrieve some of the bodies.

But he says they'll need to ensure the mine is safe enough to re-enter.

Mr Feickert is expected to sign off on the families' plan, which aims to overhaul health and safety standards in mining.

A spokesperson for some of the families, Bernie Monk, says the approval must happen before the plan can be presented to Solid Energy.

On Monday, the Royal Commission's report on the Pike River disaster will be presented to the families of the 29 men who died in explosions at the coal mine in 2010. The report will be released later in the day.

Sunday 4 November 2012

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/119903/mining-experts-look-at-pike-river-recovery-plan