The local head of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy says people should not lump all coal-mining accidents into one basket, as answers are sought about what went wrong at the Pike River mine.
New Zealand chair Cam Wylie says the events leading to the explosion at Pike River may be complex and localised.
He says it will take a detailed investigation to work out what led to the first explosion.
Mr Wylie says the institute supports the inquiries which have been announced.
He says examining what went wrong and making changes to company or industry practices is typical of the culture of mining.
