Work to find a way of recovering the bodies of the 29 men at the Pike River coal mine is continuing, despite another explosion on Friday.
The company says it still believes the bodies can be returned to their families, but it can't say how long that may take.
Chief executive Peter Whittall says everything possible is being done.
He says experts are assessing the capabilties of a 'gag' machine from Australia, that can help reduce the levels of toxic gases, but no decision has been taken on whether or not it will be used.
Mr Whittall says a second hole has not yet been drilled into the mine, because gas levels remain too dangerous.
Three explosions have occurred at the mine since 19 November; the latest of which was at 3.39pm on Friday.
