GAG machine shut down for maintenance

The GAG machine, which has been operating at Pike River since December 1, has been shut down to allow further repairs and maintenance to take place.

The FLOXAL nitrogen generator is continuing to operate normally and
monitoring of gas levels in the mine is ongoing.

Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations, Grant Nicholls, says the focus this time is on the jet engine which powers the machine.

"Police and Pike River Coal are liaising with Royal New Zealand Airforce engineers and the Australian owners of the GAG," he said.

"While testing shows gas levels in the mine are fluctuating, they are not giving us particular cause for concern at this stage."

Yesterday Superintendent Dave Cliff thanked the Australian operators of the GAG for their work in keeping the machine running in difficult conditions.

- NZHERALD STAFF