The receiver for the Pike River Coal mine says the possibility of tough rules being introduced into the mining industry is deterring would-be buyers.
Twenty-nine men were killed in a series of explosions that began at the West Coast mine from 19 November 2010. The company was put into the hands of receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers the following month.
Several overseas companies are interested in buying the mine but worry costly requirements could be imposed later because of findings by the Royal Commission.
Receiver John Fisk says that, as a result, buyers will probably offer a small payment up front and larger payments in instalments dependent on certain conditions being met.
Radio New Zealand understands would-be buyers are also worried about the unknown costs and practicalities of recovering the bodies of the 29 dead men.
