Experts suggest a split-second gas outburst may have overwhelmed the Pike River miners before they could respond to any alarms.

Jim Anderton seems to have made it his personal mission to end the life-and-death lottery that working in underground mines has entailed.

"We pray that their moment of fear becomes eternal peace," said Monsignor Gerry O'Connor during an emotional tribute to the Pike River miners in Greymouth.

Families of the dead men due to be bused to the Pike River mine tomorrow will still go, despite a third explosion at the mine this afternoon.

There has been a third explosion at the Pike River mine this afternoon. The blast occurred at 3.39pm and lasted for 23 seconds.

A small West Coast community will now face the task of recovering and rebuilding following a disaster of devastating proportions.

Liquid nitrogen could be used to stabilise the situation in the Pike River mine, experts told the Science Media Centre.

NZ is a nation in mourning as memorial services are held, condolence books arranged, and candles lit throughout the country.

He has to accept he has lost a son. But Marty Palmer won't give up until his son's body is back with the family so they can mourn properly.

The ACC will ensure money is the least of the worries for the families of the Pike River 29, says ACC Minister Nick Smith.

Police Commissioner Howard Broad today praised the work of Superintendent Gary Knowles, the police officer who led the mission to rescue 29 miners.

Bells tolled and flags were lowered to half mast today to pay tribute to the 29 miners lost in the Pike River tragedy.

While refusing to focus on the Pike River mine's future today, CEO Peter Whittall did reveal it's future worth.

Check here for developments in the wake of the Pike River mine disaster today.

Pike River CEO Peter Whittall expressed his regret today at how he initially delivered his news to the families of the 29 miners lost in the disaster.

The family of Queenslander Willy Joynson want answers about why dangerous levels of gas were not detected before last Friday's blast.

Levels of dangerous gases at the Pike River mine are still high and rescuers are unable to enter to recover the bodies of 29 trapped men, police said this afternoon.