‘Possibility’ of finding remains in mine

GREYMOUTH: The chances of a recovery team finding human remains have gone from unlikely to possible in a critical area of the Pike River Mine.

The Pike River Recovery Agency (PRRA) said in Christchurch yesterday it had reached a point called the pit bottom in stone area.

The crucial zone is about 300m from the roof rockfall face.

The PRRA operation, which went back underground in May last year, is looking to see whether it can recover the 29 men killed during the November 19, 2010 disaster.

PRRA chief executive Dave Gawn said it was now possible evidence of the miners could be found.

He said they were more optimistic because they were learning more about the blast, including its direction and effect on a confined space.

The miners’ last known location was beyond the roof fall.

The agency is observing and photographing the mine drift as it travels through it, and passing all evidence recovered to police for investigation, Mr Gawn said.

“There is a possibility that we will come across some human remains . . . I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is probable.”

The reentry mission’s progress has been slow and held up by unexpected delays.

Earlier this year, Pike River Recovery Minister Andrew Little approved a further $10.8 million funding to complete the project, as well as a $4.2 million contingency, meaning the total operation could end up costing $51 million.

Its original budget was $23 million. — The New Zealand Herald