The Latest Pike River Mine headlines from Radio New Zealand News http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/news Radio New Zealand 60 Prime Minister John Key says he would be happy to meet again with the families of the men who died at Pike River. Mon, 14 May 2012 18:49:09 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/105831/pm-happy-to-meet-again-with-pike-river-families 68bd8a933bc9f92bcb0cac593c788f7c56e34ca0 Families of men who died in the Pike River disaster have been told there are no guarantees about the recovery of the bodies of their relatives. Sat, 12 May 2012 18:30:00 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/105552/families-hear-no-guarantee-bodies-will-be-recovered ac54c290071c78df50b10106dc3175c1692f9ee3 Families of the victims of the Pike River mining disaster are threatening to block coal sales from the mine if it is commercially reopened without the dead being brought out first. Fri, 11 May 2012 23:15:00 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/105594/families-say-no-mining-until-bodies-retrieved 01c0dfb90ec551f0f20cb5184dac7e4e3c3667ec An expert in mine safety says the spotlight has been thrown back on the ventilation fan as one of the most likely sources of the sparks that caused the initial explosion at the Pike River mine. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:05:32 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/104330/spotlight-back-on-ventilation-fan 51fd483c7905e91f4674a73c38874bd5669b0c30 Evidence to the Pike River Royal Commission pointing to problems with a key part of the mine's power system as a cause of the fatal explosion has been labelled simplistic and outdated by the manufacturer of the device. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:18:16 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/104282/manufacturer-says-device-not-to-blame-for-pike-disaster 07d0d4b124db3cffee9e6a52ad94014d4b29a085 At least two of the families of those who died in the Pike River mine disaster want to see criminal charges laid now that the Royal Commission hearings are over. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:03:52 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102639/criminal-charges-wanted-by-pike-relatives ced43131c6a6d9b5592e258677dbefd713df5c23 The Pike River Royal Commission has completed its hearings into the disaster which claimed the lives of 29 men in November 2010. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:01:26 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102563/pike-royal-commission-hearings-completed 85faa005fa0328025e4f442c75433db830623a1b The lawyer for six senior managers at the Pike River mine says instead of blaming those in charge at the time of the disaster, everyone involved in the mine's operations should be found collectively responsible for what happened. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:10:40 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102548/case-for-collective-responsibility-urged 72472d78dec0fb820776b8bdd775c6b2deceaf29 The miners' union has highlighted shortcomings in changes to safety standards recommended by the Department of Labour. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:40:48 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102453/department's-safety-standards-criticised-at-inquiry d6c240c444cc9cdfa910f5e0fe2cc5d1814dee4c Rescue service 'hampered by bureaucracy' Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:06:34 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102344/police-chain-of-command-questioned-at-pike-hearing 516d1d1fcda614984b2510188440a1d2928c8f18 The Labour Department is recommending radical changes to the way underground coal mines are regulated and says the changes will give more power to employees. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:45:26 +1200 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102308/new-mine-rules-would-give-workers-more-say-in-safety e6b72f7d01230172467a6485db298e9ac983c8a3 The New Zealand Government says Solid Energy is expected to make its best efforts to retrieve the bodies of 29 men who died in the Pike River Coal mine disaster in 2010. Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:59:38 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/100561/company-expected-to-make-'best-effort'-to-recover-bodies 2d0cb6ce30d8388db56665d8c5ddbb3b6a8fdbc7 A group of Pike River family members has hung two banners in Greymouth to protest against the delays in recovering the bodies of the men killed in the mine. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:26:40 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/102100/pike-river-families-protest-delay-recovering-bodies 62af52874fe4a3ee09b5e832ecdc34fb0e1bdff5 The Royal Commission on the Pike River mining tragedy will begin its final hearings in Greymouth on Monday. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:05:51 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/101967/royal-commission-to-begin-final-pike-hearings 3e6466f4e2f5cec671d62598577181ac5234e13d A spokesperson for families bereaved in the Pike River mine disaster says he is worried over the effect on the mining sector of a planned merger of four Government agencies. Sat, 17 Mar 2012 08:52:15 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/101115/pike-families-fear-safety-unit-will-be-lost-in-new-ministry 02e134cf6048e58c45ceda62c4f8f2ab9acb5ec7 A major creditor of the Pike River Coal mine is remaining cautious about how much money it could get back if the sale is finalised. Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:25:56 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/100540/creditor-cautiously-welcomes-pike-river-sale d48d20d37920a42e9162c8e93b277ea5b8e1149c Families of miners killed in the Pike Rive explosion say they are philosophical about news nine recovery workers are to be made redundant by the mine's receivers. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:27:35 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/100410/layoffs-among-staff-working-on-recovery-of-pike-bodies 31818e5bea3ec95dcb5db710a917d353d0a61cfc The Pike River coal mine will be sold to state-owned Solid Energy. Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:53:08 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/100507/solid-energy-to-buy-pike-river-mine c4efd5c9a1d65abffe974f161bf53e3584a175b8 A former manager at the Pike River coal mine says he never feared there would be an explosion at the mine. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:34:24 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98703/explosion-not-feared-by-ex-pike-manager 210bf97cf0d7db018a94de9755675fccfccc8b67 The third phase of the Royal Commission into the Pike River disaster ends on Friday. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:31:39 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98644/third-phase-of-inquiry-at-an-end b926d03b3d96879c4ef7f5d3d54b0fb11d0802c4 A former Pike River manager has defended his allegation that something was untoward about the ousting of the company's first chief executive. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:43:35 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98585/manager-stands-by-criticism-of-whittall 7ffae1e37d648c4c72f4b004c91ddf38c4067ee8 The Pike River Royal Commission has heard a delay in installing a gas monitoring system underground was a health and safety issue. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:48:59 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98600/delay-seen-as-safety-issue 8d64b21e3c96d0682153f43a781d203c2cef1c23 The final position has been filled in the High Hazards Unit, set up by the Government after the Pike River tragedy. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 06:55:35 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98601/final-appointment-to-high-hazards-unit f3f61fb815c472ce358f4617634f47341bc43474 The Royal Commission investigating the Pike River disaster has been told the coal mine had an ingrained blame culture. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:07:08 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98536/ingrained-culture-of-blame-at-mine a354363e58de394b452d1f3ba3ee5e52117ca419 The Pike River Royal Commission has heard the company's chief executive Peter Whittall was described by a mine manager as dodgy and a liar. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:32:22 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98453/whittall-was-dodgy-git-and-liar,-inquiry-told 521bc1323fccb228a79ab8a1e8a1d194750365a4 A Pike River manager has revealed he smelt fumes in the air on the day the West Coast mine first exploded, shortly before returning to his office and sending emails about a job elsewhere. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:01:07 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98353/pike-river-manager-smelt-fumes-but-returned-to-emails 68050f20a64afc73d0b65110fda9ae5ef27e1324 The Pike River Royal Commission's theory about the cause of the disaster at the West Coast coal mine is being challenged by an electrical company. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:16:55 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98327/pike-river-mine-explosion-theory-challenged bf4a7ce6cff051e8f1b954364705b4b40782b0be An Australian mining consultant has told an inquiry into the Pike River Coal mine disaster the potential for sparking in the mine was great. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:58:07 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98227/many-opportunities-for-sparking-at-mine,-inquiry-told c16cb236286b55c8057558896b6e385234004dd2 The spokesperson for the families of the Pike River mine victims is pleased an Australian mine expert has confirmed the families' suspicions that the mine's safety was not up to standard. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:20:26 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98106/miners-never-stood-a-chance-monk bf73ec0ca6586d619c56c6586aefa3c19231eca9 A former manager at the Pike River Mine felt too much of his time was being taken up with crisis management in the months leading up to the disaster which claimed 29 lives. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:10:14 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98095/manager-mired-in-design-'on-the-run' e097f8c8017ae82307000a8a672c924db7dcc5e5 The Pike River Royal Commission heard on Friday of the value of a bore hole being dug to the area where many of the dead men are thought to have been working at the time of the explosions in November 2010. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:34:07 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/98077/bore-hole-questions-at-inquiry 4e84412c781f9144367f3c3b69b50b3cf9d5ebaf A mining expert has told the Pike River Royal Commission that systems for checking levels of highly flammable methane in the mine were faulty at the time of the disaster. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:55:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/97990/pike-river's-methane-checking-faulty 063d8c9f19c873c78a0bbff6529f701a03aa4012 The Royal Commission investigating the Pike River Mine disaster has heard the ventilation system at the mine limited the ability of men to escape following an explosion. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:16:48 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/97956/escape-abilities-hindered-by-ventilation-system 89af58e70d2d6bb1851a1dbb19cb755d024b02b2 A finding from a Department of Labour investigation into the Pike River mine disaster that an electrical fault caused the explosion has been challenged at the Royal Commission examining the disaster. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:02:15 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/97901/departmental-finding-challenged b2c56612c51f440f467cdc94cebda7386e150b15 Evidence at the Pike River Royal Commission on Wednesday suggested workers could have ignited the methane that caused the explosion at the mine. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:09:50 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/97834/miners-could-have-caused-explosion-lawyer 6b8b7b3ebd067bea0a9e0a2d5c476c17e1ac89cf The Pike River Royal Commission is nearing the end of its third phase which is looking into the events leading up to the explosion which killed 29 men. It is to look at the immediate cause of the first blast on 19 November, 2010. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:09:40 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/97783/royal-commission-resumes 2bbdf68150c92f6ba96fa40d7949c6f8a24c21fe The reporting dates for the Pike River and Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commissions have been extended. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:24 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/canterbury-earthquake/97750/reporting-dates-for-royal-commissions-extended 91951a60235d377b56cf7c6e6504842c6141fa2f The Department of Labour says a court hearing about health and safety charges at the Pike River Coal mine has been adjourned for two months. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:18:49 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/97240/pike-river-coal-health-and-safety-case-adjourned af73df69579f10d642ba024738de4481472a9902 The Grey District Mayor says a possible 3½ years is too long to wait for the recovery of the bodies in the Pike River coal mine. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:44:09 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/96943/pike-river-body-recovery-plan-'too-lengthy'-says-mayor c6101c227e7cf94363a25df6a45d06a14c17c301 Shares in New Zealand Oil& Gas fell 2.5% on Thursday after the company said it was writing off the rest of its investment in Pike River Coal. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:45:22 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/96851/nz-oil-and-gas-writes-off-pike-river-investment 52a83859b32d3b7b1cb46f52f8f6a9f9a3bc3a96 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. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:04:49 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/96884/prospect-of-tougher-rules-may-affect-pike-river-sale 9d818131496e95808731602215f9536e8ae704cd Police say they will finalise recommendations on whether criminal charges will be laid over the Pike River Coal mine disaster by the end of January. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:30:26 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/95864/police-close-to-decision-on-pike-criminal-charges 62174c2d5798219e49ef01c9a8e7d25a98be9929 Preparations are being made to seal part of the Pike River coal mine in a first step toward retrieving the remains of 29 men who died in explosions there in November 2010. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:05:15 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/95322/preparations-to-seal-shaft-at-pike 506bf8493c6851d0c35fc06ac645f71bf3173a02 Prime Minister John Key is to apologise to a Pike River widow whose deceased husband was accidentally sent a Christmas card from him. The name was on a database from Local Government NZ. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:52:11 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/94563/pm-to-apologise-to-widow a2b6a661ba46becf554e436fd7a103199fb9acd9 The receivers for the Pike River mine have told the families of the 29 men killed there they hope to start discussions in March about bringing them out. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:20:02 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/94070/pike-river-body-retrieval-to-begin-in-march 542ec9a05827d87e0d1c5f50c653630501c5f67f The Pike River Families Committee says the appointment of mine inspector roles will give the kind of safety reassurance needed for miners still working underground. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:48:33 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/94181/inspector-appointments-'reassure-miners' 02386d18e55a5079bb531736d7e4bdb612cb72e4 The Pike River Coal company receiver says anyone buying it will have to set up a trust fund to help recover the remains of the 29 men who died in the mine in November last year. Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:05:11 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/94027/pike-trust-will-be-needed-receiver 899c0a38063c07b31753c345535dacc2493dab31 Pike River Coal says the mine won't be sold before Christmas. Receiver John Fisk says the sale process is taking longer than initially hoped. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:41:17 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93957/pike-river-coal-won't-be-sold-before-christmas e8a4132ca0aa211cf78f935d883989515480a8dc A 3D mine rescue training simulator is to be built near Greymouth to help train volunteers. it will be funded by Development West Coast. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:58:39 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93653/3d-mine-rescue-simulator-promised 1cabf2f432fbf97c411d9d50cd94404c2b8599e0 Bad weather is interrupting plans to put a seal deep into the main tunnel to the Pike River coal mine. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:29:33 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93527/weather-delays-recovery-work-at-pike-river-mine 6edafaa15f7859405dd3d0a6fc89a3cc460a03c1 Pike River Coal's safety manager has defended his work record and refused to blame anyone for the disaster which killed 29 workers at the West Coast mine. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:13:18 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93349/pike-safety-manager-refuses-to-lay-blame-for-disaster 716325633104699a0c76fea4969eb3867e6557d8 Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn says drilling expected to start at the Pike River mine on Sunday is a step in the right direction, but the recovery pace is too slow. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:53:50 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93471/too-long-to-start-drilling,-says-grey-district-mayor d35e8ca2b3ecd9e66c09080b4893c640959b4bca Drilling will commence on Sunday to put a seal deep in the main tunnel of the Pike River Coal mine on the West Coast. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:10:11 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93364/drilling-to-begin-for-new-pike-river-seal 4a2871c4e53cb8144bc18e95030e08e273331944 The Pike River Royal Commission has been told that serious safety problems in the mine recurred for months without ever being fixed. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:13:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93325/pike-river-safety-problems-went-on-for-months 357d7a0b9beb13ad4a572e38ce77e49a0c56d82b The man who oversaw safety systems at Pike River Coal mine says he was too intimidated by the chief executive to raise safety problems. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:49:37 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93278/safety-manager-'intimidated'-by-pike-river-boss feaf2173002e60094eb05b2338eaa204c1704eb0 The man who chaired Pike River Coal has admitted safety systems failed in the lead-up to the explosion at the mine that killed 29 men. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:48:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93164/pike-river-chair-admits-system-failures-at-mine 1db7718d138b8558718d303379617f260fa5d320 The receiver for Pike River Coal hopes a record payout following a similar disaster in the United States is not going to put off potential purchasers from buying the West Coast mine. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:18:12 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93167/pike-receiver-hopes-us-payout-won't-deter-buyers 9ec4fcd5f20cb959e8fc95d161346f00833312e2 Another step has been taken towards recovery teams getting into the entry tunnel of the Pike River mine. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:44:19 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93203/new-equipment-brought-in-to-help-with-mine-entry 70da4c8f91db1306cecb78b4bb70e3b7e48b1491 The Pike River Royal Commission has rejected a request for the Department of Labour's dossier into the mine disaster to be discussed in secret. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:22:12 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93100/labour-department's-request-for-secrecy-rejected 6385dd42475468e3c7546de2e9540384bc990f6e The union representing West Coast miners says the law should be changed to force the former chief executive of Pike River Coal to appear before the Royal Commission. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:15:59 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93140/call-for-ex-manager-to-be-forced-to-give-evidence 799a50365a5e1628b9829c2040b5e54a3c59237a Pike River families have reacted strongly to evidence at the Royal Commission from an experienced tunneller about the mine's effect on his health. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:02:51 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/93042/worker-tells-of-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-at-mine 6766b8eb74f8548f90957c63c13f681fecb6e963 A witness has told the Pike River Royal Commission the mine had an inexperienced workforce. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:33:11 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/92950/pike's-workforce-was-inexperienced,-says-witness 2a00a8c58a3c2a7be641c470abb1ae63ca1fc22c The families of workers who died in the Pike River coal mine are calling on former chief executive Gordon Ward to give evidence to the Pike River Royal Commission. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:10:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/92883/families-call-for-former-chief-executive-to-appear df99f501e7872d41880c306819975a0be400d974 Three parties charged with health and safety breaches at the Pike River coal mine have had their first court appearance deferred. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:07:52 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/92968/pike-court-appearance-deferred 342703a40e0b09fb8ecb32abb2bcb31b1d2bbcc2 The Royal Commission on the Pike River disaster has been told a group of experts due to advise staff about hydro mining dispersed as soon the technique got underway at the mine site. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:05:20 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/92035/pike-river-inquiry-hears-of-lack-of-expert-advice-for-manager 6a05d7c19526fbcabeab231cfd27398f9165344a Green Party MP Kevin Hague has taken what he says is the first step towards laying a prosecution against the Department of Labour over the Pike River disaster. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:52:19 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/92019/mp's-first-step-to-prosecute-department-over-pike-disaster 0a00256d99bd21cb858e84beb3b80a4863644c25 The Royal Commission investigating the Pike River mine tragedy has been hearing concerns about the training of miners working underground in hydro mining operations. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:13:01 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91976/royal-commission-told-of-lack-of-training-at-pike-river 1455510b4ddb53df508e4ed5ea721a9d885b5bad A miner who says he quit the Pike River coal mine because of safety concerns has been questioned at the Royal Commission about what warnings he gave. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:02:50 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91882/pike-river-miner-questioned-at-commission ec82b358cedf21aa5e0266342e6ec8fa1f7c966a The Royal Commission into the Pike River disaster has heard there was a lack of leadership at the mine, and confusion over who was doing what. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:02:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91791/lack-of-leadership-at-pike-river-mine,-commission-told 902e2a87af7802b90e47ee8a92466e73ca470be9 The Royal Commission into the Pike River mine disaster has been told of the dysfunction and mistrust at the mine. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:44:11 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91666/dysfunction-and-mistrust-at-pike-river-mine-consultant fa835d714ceb360796d89ddf8a343a827baf8374 The Royal Commission into the Pike River Coal mine disaster will this week hear from a Japanese miner who quit his job at the mine a month before the first explosion, because of concerns about operations there. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:46:15 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91599/commission-to-hear-from-miner-who-quit-mine 3a6d575599a3b77d7e86f0dcf2b3d58813cb61ec The first anniversary of the Pike River mine disaster was marked in emotional ceremonies in Greymouth on Saturday. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:23:34 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91495/ceremonies-held-to-remember-pike-river-men faff18d5e33ab976ac7b472530eab70860b9926c A large crowd is expected at a special commemoration of the Pike River mining disaster in Greymouth on Saturday. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:01:17 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91385/up-to-5000-could-attend-pike-river-anniversary 44aef9b82d6eba12d4da9bbcc900462daeab3047 The Royal Commission inquiry into the Pike River disaster has been told health and safety breaches were made repeatedly at the mine, with no improvements to its systems. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:19:25 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91400/pike-river-disaster-'an-accident-waiting-to-happen'-says-expert f84cc7e69fab98cda6da8cc1703d14ac86873a7c The relatives of a miner killed in the Pike River disaster say they are happy for his body to stay underground. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:03:49 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91422/family-wants-remains-of-loved-one-to-stay-in-mine de1ce35e046b0f94a292cdbb43d61c38a849f06f The Royal Commission on the Pike River Coal mine disaster has heard that concerns mine inspectors raised about their workload were not passed on to the manager whose role was to support them. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:18:01 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91368/mine-inspectors'-worries-not-passed-on 7476755b1269a052ba2304ef50aa240ca4342bdc The mine inspector who had oversight of the Pike River mine at the time of the explosion that killed 29 men has told the Royal Commission safety on the site was ultimately the company's responsibility. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:56:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91314/safety-ultimately-lies-with-employer,-former-inspector-says 533e8dff12f223ac5411cefebf06c575e2ac1c40 The organisers of a memorial service to mark the first anniversary of the Pike River disaster are working to ensure the day remains non-political. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:02:35 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91261/relatives-want-politics-kept-out-of-pike-river-memorial 33ca60f200549834b3981d63b314155906119a14 A spokesperson for families bereaved by the Pike River Coal Mine tragedy says deficiencies in the mine inspectorate are causing continuing problems. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:36:27 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91234/families-say-still-problems-in-mine-inspectorate 529bd9795e7bf665d9eaa31bcf14536422862f44 The Royal Commission on the Pike River coal mine tragedy has been told of a series of sudden rises in the level of methane in the weeks before the November explosions. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:32:26 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91203/methane-spikes-recorded-before-pike-river-explosions a1ca91b5bedf2e7170409178055fac204dac3dee Bereaved families in Greymouth say they do not blame Department of Labour mining inspectors for failing to monitor the Pike River coal mine before its devastating explosions 2010. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:37:59 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91103/families-say-don't-blame-inspectors be33d6114a1dc798e5f140cff3ecf994076f3984 The Royal Commission on the Pike River coal mining tragedy says a leak of evidence before its delivery last week, led one other submitter to express reluctance at revealing his evidence in advance. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:18:10 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/91011/reluctance-expressed-over-issuing-evidence-in-advance 2130640e0c6608c6b7ab885e9a36bbeb1566115e New Zealand's only inspector of underground coalmines faced stiff cross examination over the explosions at the Pike River Coal Mine when the Royal Commission investigating the tragedy resumed its hearings. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:59:41 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90923/mine-inspector-questioned-over-pike-river-explosions e1c7d731d9fb634328c0d148521d8760178a58a8 Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall vows to fight the charges he is facing in court in relation to the disaster at the mine where 29 men were killed on 19 November last year. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:51:49 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90791/whittall-to-fight-charges 7e539379809ba4501324fef6e5b766a70823afc4 The families of those killed in the Pike River mine are pleased the three parties facing charges in court over the deadly explosions last November, have been named. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 08:26:43 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90814/families-pleased-name-suppressions-lifted b0c1e61e44d6abf3c89aedd7b516ac0382c21f1c The former chief executive of Pike River Coal, Peter Whittall, is one of three parties charged by the Department of Labour over the mine disaster in which 29 men died last year. The company itself is also charged. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:51:50 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90759/peter-whittall-charged-over-pike-mine-disaster 596860fb8fef4e7180c416e9ec128ec2ea3ce2f1 Nearly a year on from the Pike River disaster, a former safety manager at the mine whose son died in the disaster says it is gut-wrenching that the bodies of the 29 victims have yet to be recovered. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:00:35 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90782/'unbelievable'-bodies-not-recovered-a-year-on d947ab444effa4287bea56478578009c9a304347 The families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River mining tragedy want the three parties charged in connection with the disaster to be named. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:40:50 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90685/names-of-accused-parties-wanted 1409466805504053358a136088230359d9b3cd76 An international mine safety adviser says laying charges against individuals for the Pike River mine disaster is not enough when the whole mine safety system needs an overhaul. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:58:10 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90723/individual-charges-not-enough-adviser 13e120e6dfc17953243084fe5f377763377f5bf2 The Department of Labour has laid 25 charges against three parties in connection with the Pike River mine disaster, alleging health and safety failures at the West Coast mine. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:45:34 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90634/25-charges-laid-against-three-pike-mine-parties a29f56ff6cb4c2e676c2319cdabecf5c7c58dcd4 Contractors owed money by the Pike River Coal Company have received an initial payment. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:45:35 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90606/first-payment-for-pike-river-contractors db07adb6a7b44d8747496589039aa5f430c30047 The Department of Labour says it will decide whether to lay charges in the next few days over the Pike River mine disaster. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:36:11 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/90312/government-close-to-decision-on-pike-river-charges c214a0a679402a83b9e91f7ebc6985ebcdc5287e New evidence to be presented to the Pike River Royal Commission shows a Japanese mining expert quit the mine because he was worried it would explode. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:47:58 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/90358/japanese-expert-quit-pike-river-over-explosion-fears c091aff09857833dd112daa0c437b2e4aa86063a The families of the men killed at Pike River mine say they are becoming very frustrated at the lack of progress at the mine. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:52:19 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/89696/families-frustrated-at-lack-of-progress-at-mine ca7ef2108fd626b0613e64a4d7eccfb02221c6de The mayor of Greymouth says progress at the Pike River mine is too slow, as the one year anniversary of the tragedy there approaches. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:01:50 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/89672/mayor-complains-pike-river-progress-not-fast-enough ae00f6a9a7b7ecaef45da3304722eafbe70ff8c1 Final bids for Pike River Coal have been lodged with the receiver and the sales process is now at an advanced stage. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:45:43 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/89224/pike-river-bids-now-lodged bca1ffda81d2355148f314dda7dd38835e9a850f The receiver for the Pike River Coal Ltd is refusing to reveal whether any bids have been lodged for the mining company. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:17:36 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/88942/pike-receiver-refusing-to-reveal-bids b30664c8ac04e25e499a3d9f92809314ef713cd5 The majority owner of Pike River Coal, New Zealand Oil & Gas has loaned an extra $5 million to the receivers for the mine to help with the cost of stabilising the mine. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:07:19 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/88481/nzog-loan-to-help-stabilise-pike-river-mine 92f82ddc3848fd49a437fbc70f65090b4d8a5920 Contractors who worked for Pike River Coal will receive payments on debts owed by the company by the end of October. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:27:34 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/87881/pike-contractors-to-start-receiving-payments 11fc323797acb644a099b4620fbe0fb6579781c4 Plans are being finalised for the way the recovery of bodies from the Pike River mine will be handled once the mine is finally re-entered. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:30:38 +1300 http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/pike-river-2010/87489/plans-being-finalised-for-bringing-out-of-bodies a7e5730ffa1bd2505bc016b02f2e2b18e91d0d9d