File Photo
Kaitangata, February 1879: Candles cause explosion in an area known for methane (firedamp) killed 34 men and boys.
Brunner, March 1896: Incorrect blasting set off a gas explosion - probably methane - killing 65 men.
Huntly, Ralph's mine, September 1914: A miner's naked light ignited firedamp, killing 43 men.
Dobson mine, December 1926: An explosion killed nine men.
Huntly, Glen Afton mine, September 1939: Carbon monoxide asphyxiated 11 men.
Strongman mine, 11km northeast of Greymouth, January 1967: explosion killed 19 miners.
Mt Davy Mine, near Greymouth, 1998: Two men were killed when they were overcome by gas.
Black Reef Mine, near Greymouth, March 2006: Robert McGowan, 39, drowned when he hit flooded mine workings.
Pike River Mine, Greymouth, November 2010: 29 men died after explosions at the West Coast coal mine. Their bodies have not been recovered.
Each day on The Great New Zealand Road Trip, we catch up with a noteworthy Kiwi.