The statutory mine manager for Pike River says final preparations have been completed for the planned entry of the mine on Tuesday morning.
Steve Ellis told Checkpoint entry checks have been carried out, most crucially on gas levels inside the mine, which are looking good to go.
He says Tuesday will involve a 2-hour reconnaisance inside the mine portal by workers in breathing apparatus.
He says they'll carry out visual and geotechnical checks, and consider where to place gas-monitoring equipment, as well as the temporary seal inside the mine.
Nobody has been inside the West Coast coal mine since explosions killed 29 men there in November.
The receivers have stated there could be a buyer for the mine by the end of August.
Recovery efforts 'must not be abandoned'
Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says the Government has to ensure efforts to recover the Pike River mine workers won't be abandoned, or stalled, once the mine is sold.
Engineering experts have told families of the 29 men who died in explosions in November last year that efforts to recover the bodies could take up to two years.
Mr Kokshoorn says he's worried there will be a situation where the mine is sold and the recovery effort falters when the receivers leave.
He says he has written to the Prime Minister about the potential problem, as he says the issue needs to be dealt with now.
