Superintendent Gary Knowles has been at the helm of the Pike River disaster, unable to provide answers to the questions the world wanted answered. Next, delivering news no one wanted to hear.

The riches of the Paparoa Range were enticing, but the cost of extracting them was greater than anyone imagined, writes Grant Bradley

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

A Westport man has told how he and three others ran for their lives when the Pike River Coal mine exploded at 2.37pm on Wednesday.

As the West Coast struggles with the emotional cost of the Pike River tragedy, chairman John Dow has reassured the community there is still a future for the mine and the company.

It is likely to be several more days before operations will start to stabilise the Pike River mine so that the bodies of 29 men can recovered, police say.

The GAG unit flown for the Pike River coal mine recovery effort is 'no gimmick' and has been used successfully in Queensland mines, the head of an Australian miners' union says.

Mines Rescue workers who wanted to save 29 men trapped underground in the Pike River coal mine remain united in their desire to get their brothers back, their leader says.

A large jet engine which stabilises gases may be used to quench the fire in the Pike River coal mine so that rescuers can safely recover the bodies of 29 men inside.

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

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

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 only sign that the Pike River boss is feeling the strain are the dark bags under his eyes which sag lower by the day.