The 11 parties include West Coast firms, and others from New Zealand, Australia and the UK have expertise in the following areas:o Geotechnical engineeringo Mining ventilationo Underground coal fireso Mine sealing and/or remote sealingo Mining health and safetyo Facilitation services

“We’re hopeful that quite a number of these companies will turn up in person; and others will join by video conference,” Agency Chief Operating Officer Dinghy Pattinson says. Objectives for the technical session include developing a conceptual plan for re-entry of the drift; developing a concept and detailed plan including risk assessment on re-establishing the 170m seal; and identifying critical equipment needs. The Agency Technical Experts Alliance comprises the Agency-appointed technical experts, Families Reference Group technical advisors, NZ Mines Rescue staff and Agency staff. Worksafe and Families Reference Group members will also be at the workshop.

| A Pike River recovery Agency Release  |  ||  April 12, 2018   |||