A decision on the Pike River Mine re-entry to recover the bodies of the Pike River miners is imminent according to sources.
This week Minister Andrew Little was to receive the re-entry plan compiled by the Pike River Recovery Agency that includes a preferred option for re-entry to re-enter the mine drift.
According to reports in the NZ Press, a family member was advised that the Minister and Caucus will review the re-entry plan very soon. The plan will be reviewed and additional costs associated with the plan are expected to be approved by caucus.
A family member told NZ press that the plan landing on Little’s desk was a huge milestone for the families.
Three options to re-enter the 2.3 kilometre tunnel, or mine drift, were drawn up by technical experts, representatives from the Pike River families, police, WorkSafe, the Department of Conservation, and Mines Rescue. The preferred option for re-entry is through the drift.
A Floxal nitrogen plant has already been set up at the Pike River mine site to inertise the mine prior to entry. All being well, the re-entry should be completed prior to March next year.
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