The fire which has been raging for days at the Pike River Coal mine is definitely out, say Australians brought in to operate the GAG jet unit which has been pumping carbon dioxide into the mine.

Pike River Coal will have to reduce its workforce when it is ready to re-establish operations, but CEO Peter Whittall says reports of possible receivership were "extremely premature".

There are fresh hopes firefighters will soon be able to cap a key ventilation shaft at the Pike River mine, after the disappearance of flames from the vent.

Pike River has rejected claims management was not approachable for staff with safety concerns before the November 19 blast.

It could take weeks for a GAG unit to put out a coal fire in the Pike River mine, police say.

"Our lives changed forever" when the Pike River Mine exploded, the mining company chief executive told mourners today.

West Coast poet Helen Wilson has offered an emotional tribute to the men who lost their lives in the Pike River mine.

An Australian-based online mining journal today called for NZ police to be blocked from controlling mine rescues.

An Australian expert was arriving in Greymouth tonight to provide advice on the jet engine GAG operation at the ill-fated Pike River Coal mine, where it's "highly likely" part of a coal seam has caught fire.

Jim O'Donnell helped drag his dead mates out of the Strongman mine in a marathon rescue.

Families grieving after the Pike River disaster have called on a lawyer who rallied for victims in a previous West Coast disaster.

John Key will take a proposal for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River mining disaster to Cabinet tomorrow.

The Pike River blast has led some miners to discuss whether it is safe to remain in the industry.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn wants the mining industry to learn from past mistakes and has called for a royal inquiry.