Solid Energy’s board delays decision on re-entry project at Pike River Mine

The Solid Energy board has delayed a decision on whether to continue with the re-entry project at the Pike River coal mine, where 29 miners lost their lives in a tunnel explosion.

In a statement, the company said that the board’s decision about whether to continue with the project to re-enter the drift at the Pike River Mine will not occur at the October board meeting as first indicated.

The board decision has been deferred to ensure the company has sufficient time to consider the feedback from experts advising the Pike River families’ group. 

The company had intended to have this process completed for a Board decision by the end of this month. However, the Pike River families’ group has agreed that Solid Energy take a little more time. The board will consider the feedback provided by the families advisors received yesterday before making its decision on re-entry. Solid Energy is keeping the families’ group advised of progress.

A Royal Commission, which investigated the Pike River mine disaster, blamed lax safety standards for the tunnel explosion and said that the deaths of the 29 miners could have been avoided. 

Written by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/28102014/decision-on-pike-river-mine-re-entry-project-delayed-1455/