The Department of Conservation says it has approved all drilling programme requests it has received from Pike River Coal.
A rumours had circulated that the department turned down an application to drill another ventilation shaft because it could have encroached on the habitat of the blue duck.
DoC spokesperson Rory Newsam says the department has ultimately agreed to every application, for a ventilation shaft and bore holes, requested by the company.
Mr Newsam says DoC has taken the attitude that during the rescue and recovery period the safety of the men and the recovery of bodies is the top priority.
He says the department has told the company to assume it has approval for its requests, and formalities can be dealt with later.
Mr Newsam says an access agreement with the company shows it has almost $1.5 million set aside as a bond for environmental damage.
