Work to start sealing surface cracks around the Slimline shaft at Pike River coal mine has again been delayed today because of unsafe gas levels.
Workers were preparing to start pumping Rocsil sealant into the cracks at 1pm today when the situation deteriorated, requiring the hillside to be evacuated. Work is unlikely to resume today.
The GAG machine has been shut down since about 4pm yesterday. The machine is being regularly rested to prolong its useful lifespan.
Preparations are also being made to drill another borehole in the main coalface area of the mine. This will be used to provide gas and temperature monitoring.
end