text reads: Dear Mr Key Re: Pike River Mine Tragedy - Re-entry of the drift Solid Energy manages the Pike River Mine. The mine is a State Owned Enterprise (owned by Government). It is for this reason that I write to you regarding the above issue. Twelve months ago the Government gave Solid Energy $7.2 million to undertake planning and re¬entry into the stone drive (drift). It has been spelt out by Government that funding is for access only to the end of the drift and not into the mines workings. The families of the 29 miners who died in the tragedy have made it abundantly clear that they are not seeking re-entry into the mines workings and this has been reiterated by their spokesmen. This issue has been before the Solid Energy Boards legal advisers for months. The Boards response is that a decision on re-entry will be made at the end of October. Solid Energy is aware of each and every safety issue involved in re-entry to the drift. However, I am sure you are aware from recent media releases and interviews, that the miners involved in Pike River Mine both before and after the tragedy have the utmost confidence in the fact that they have the expertise in the areas of all possible safety hazards that must be met before re-entry of the drift can be attempted. Worksafe and Mines Rescue are also confident that re-entry can be safely achieved. I believe that with the above in mind, Government needs to now instruct Solid Energy Board to proceed with the re-entry of the drift or alternatively support the re-entry by the Pike miners. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely Cc Hon Tony Ryall, Minister for State Owned Enterprises
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:58:44 +0000
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