If you haven't got time to read all our in-depth coverage of the Pike River Mine disaster, here's a quick summary of five key things you need to know today.

Pike River says equipment such as robots could create sparks in a gaseous environment.

The Pike River coal mine board has rebutted allegations that money woes compromised safety at the mine.

With luck, the country will receive news that the brave 29 are back above ground and telling tall tales over a beer.

Since its announcement in 2005, the Herald has tracked the progress of the Pike River coal mine.

The two men who managed to get out of the Pike River mine clambered up a narrow chimney to escape.

Methane gas has long been identified as a potential problem for the Pike River Coal mine, as rescuers scramble to find up to 27 missing miners.

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