'50 million-odd tonnes' still in mine, says CEO Whittall

Pike River Coal Ltd. Representatives have allowed themselves to speculate on the commercial future of the mine for the first time since Friday last week, when the first of two massive explosions ripped through mine, leaving 29 miners presumed dead.

While reluctant to discuss the issue at this stage, Whittall pointed to examples of other mines he'd worked at where there had been fatal explosions in the past.

"But if the roadways are open there's still 50-odd million tonnes of coal there," Whittall told a media briefing. "The roadways are probably in good condition. No doubt there's been a lot of damage to a lot of equipment but at this stage that's just not what we're focusing on."

The Pike River board will meet tomorrow for a preliminary discussion about the way forward for the company and initial look at the "impairment of the asset," said chairman John Dow. "We do have to keep the lights on, and we do have to keep the company running," said chairman John Dow.

Further details were likely after tomorrow's board meeting.

Meanwhile, one day after the second explosion sealed the fate of the 29 men, the Department of Labour has already begun its investigation.

It would look at what led to the accident, whether anything could have been done to prevent it and how similar incidents could be prevented.

Acting deputy chief executive workplace Lesley Haines said it would be the largest health and safety investigation the department had undertaken. It would work with police, Pike River Coal and the coroner.

Due to the hazardous nature of the industry, the department had been in regular contact with Pike River Coal since its inception, she said.

Planning for the inquiry began on the weekend and eight staff had already been sent to the West Coast. Two of those were experienced technical mining experts.

The investigation would involve scene examinations, review of information and interviews.

The Department has up to six months to investigate and bring any charges.

It is responsible for investigating any death or serious injury in a workplace.

Police and the coroner were expected to undertake their own investigations.

Prime Minister John Key has said a commission of inquiry was also likely.

- NZPA