A jet engine capable of shifting toxic gases in the Pike River coal mine could be up and running soon.
The GAG machine, which is the size of a semi-trailer unit, has been brought over from Australia to assist with the recovery of the bodies of the 29 workers killed in the mine.
A spokesperson for New South Wales Mine Rescue, Paul Healy, says the device will temporarily clear toxic gases, giving recovery teams an opportunity to enter the mine.
He says time and care are needed to install the machine at the mine entrance and to test how long the teams could stay in the mine.
Mr Healy says the best-case scenario is that they'll be able to recover the 29 bodies within the next few weeks.
