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The Pike River mine vent shaft - Source: NZ Police -
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An international mines expert today told the Royal Commission that if he had inspected the mine prior to last year's fatal explosion he would have closed it down.
Australian David Reece headed the expert mining panel aiding the Department of Labour investigation into the cause of the explosion that killed 29 men in November 2010.
Today, under cross-examination at the Royal Commission of Inquiry, Reece said a mine with ventilation problems such as Pike River would not have existed in Queensland, a state well-known for its mining industry.
Lawyer Richard Raymond said the miners' relatives are frustrated another bore hole hasn't been put into the mine near the coal extraction area to confirm the roof collapsed.
"It seems very odd that when so much rests on your findings that that wouldn't be done," said Raymond.
Reece said he would recommend the Department of Labour put another bore hole down.
He also told the Commission he analysed images taken down the current boreholes, one showing a body, to help determine the power and location of the explosion.
When asked by Raymond if he also analysed the way the body had fallen, Reece replied: "One would analyse from that orientation there's no great violence in there, it's relaxation of the body nothing else."
Mine had a raft of problems
Reece told the inquiry yesterday there were a raft of problems with the underground West Coast mine, including poor ventilation and faulty gas monitoring equipment.
He said mining should have been cut back until gas levels could be controlled.
The investigation found the most likely cause of the initial explosion was a collapse in the "goaf" of the mine, which is cavity deep within the coal extraction area. This collapse would have released methane gas, which ignited when water pumps in the mine were turned on in the control room above ground.
Plans for recovery
ONE News has learnt Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn met with the Prime Minister and mine receivers on Wednesday.
Kokshoorn has an undertaking that once a credible and safe recovery plan is established, the Prime Minister and receivers will fund a trust to recover the 29 bodies if the mine is sold.
"The Government have always said they will fund a recovery plan providing it is credible, they are sticking to their word which is good," said Kokshoorn.
Raymond said the families appreciate that their concerns have been addressed at a Prime Ministerial level but they are seeking further detail and want input into how the proposal is implemented.
The Royal Commission continues phase three on Monday.
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