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GREYMOUTH - Police said today no one will face criminal charges arising from the death of West Coast coal miner Robert James McGowan.
The 39-year-old died when the Black Reef underground coal mine at Dunollie, Greymouth, flooded with water in March 2006.
West Coast police acting area commander, senior sergeant Stu Koefoed, said in a statement today that following an investigation into the death a legal opinion was sought to establish any criminal liability on the part of those involved with the Black Reef Mine.
"The legal opinion provided by the Crown to the police does not recommend any person or organisation face criminal charges."
However, a number of people associated with the mine faced court action brought by the Department of Labour under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
The court hearing begins in Greymouth District Court on Monday.
- NZPA
