"We have agreed, but as usual we've had no response for when it's going to take place," families spokesman Bernie Monk said.
Mr Monk today released a recent e-mail from British mining engineer Bob Stevenson, who several years ago with David Creedy and Dave Feickert provided independent advice on a plan to re-enter the mine.
Mr Stevenson supports re-entry the drift. Mr Creedy also came out in support last week, saying Solid Energy's decision was "irrational" and that going into a high-methane environment was "standard".
Mr Stevenson said in his recent e-mail he had been told the drift had been de-gassed recently.
"If this was the case why were we not informed and allowed to inspect it. They have done what we said could be done and what they said could not be done."
He said Solid Energy had agreed to the remote stopping, "a method they would not even listen to in our early dealings with them".
He suggested using boreholes as returns, using the 170m seal in the drift as a 'balance chamber' and installing auxiliary ventilation through that stopping to maintain a positive pressure in the drift.
"Inspect the drift in stages with rescue back-up and finally bring a conclusion of some sort to the families. The Government have stated they will agree entry if a safe method of work is provided. We say we can," Mr Stevenson said.
He did not believe the drift was as dangerous as Solid Energy made out.
"I do not think that the spontaneous combustion problem is anywhere near the problem (Solid Energy) make it. I don't think that the fall at the base of the drift is as insurmountable as (Solid Energy) make out, but of course this is pure conjecture on my behalf.
"What I do know is that recovery of the drift from a ventilation point of view is a straightforward mining technology exercise which has been carried out many times in mining worldwide."
- Greymouth Star
