Prime Minister John Key today assured distraught Pike River family members that although the mine could be sold to a new owner, the mining licence would not be transferred until the 29 victims entombed inside the pit were brought home - only if a credible plan for entry and recovery was devised.
The lawyer for victims' families, Colin Smith, said the 40 or so relatives of the dead left this afternoon's meeting with Mr Key in Greymouth ``reasonably satisfied'' with the hearing.
"They were heard by Mr Key and satisfied that the Prime Minister understood the issues they were facing.''
Mr Smith said the families also told the Prime Minister they lacked confidence in the decision making of the statutory mine manager Steve Ellis, who revealed in the Royal Commission of Inquiry this week that he had vetoed a re-entry plan submitted by Mines Rescue.
"They put it to him that Mines Rescue was ready and prepared to enter the mine. (Mr Key) told them he was a politician and he could not interfere with that process.''