Two Australian mining experts are being brought in to undertake an audit of the country's four underground coal mines that remain in operation.
The Department of Labour has contracted Brett Garland, chief operating officer of Caledon Coal in Queensland, and Tim Watson, a director of Queensland Mines Rescue Services, to prepare a report.
The audit involves physical inspections of the mines and a review of the health and safety systems and processes.
A report will be produced by the end of February.
The mines are Huntly East in Waikato, and the Spring Creek, Burkes Creek and Roa mines on the West Coast.
It does not include the Pike River Coal mine.
