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Effort to recover bodies of Pike River mine disaster goes global

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An influential group of international trade union representatives have launched a global campaign to force the recovery of the bodies of Pike River victims, including Scots Malcolm Campbell and Pete Rodger.

The two men were among 29 to perish when a series of devastating explosions ripped through the New Zealand coal mine almost a year ago.

Families of all of those to die have faced an agonising wait as efforts to recover the bodies of their loved ones have been beset by difficulties.

With the potentially profitable mine now in the hands of receivers it had been feared that the men’s bodies would never be recovered.

However, trade union officials have warned no miners will work the pit until the remains of the deceased are brought to the surface.

Among those to die in the tragedy were Mr Campbell, who was 25 and from Cameron near St Andrews, and Perth-born 40-year-old Pete Rodger.

Mr Campbell’s father, also Malcolm, told The Courier he welcomed the position taken by international trade union representatives following a major seminar held in Durban, South Africa.

The Maritime and Mining Conference unanimously passed a resolution on Pike River which included a pledge to launch a global campaign to ”force a recovery” should this not be forthcoming by the receivers or, if sold, new owners.

The resolution had been discussed with family representatives of the deceased miners and was voted through by over 250 delegates.

”Members were adamant that there had to be a workable recovery plan in place if the mine was to be sold,” a spokesman said.

”The international unions are saying the recovery must be an absolute priority and they want to see this being actively pursued as part of on-going operations now and in the future should new owners take over Pike River.”

Twenty unions were represented at the Durban conference, coming from the UK, Australia, South Africa, Ghana, USA, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Also in attendance was the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General workers Union (ICEM), the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) and the Inter-national Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

Mr Campbell said he hoped the backing of such an influential group would prove key in ensuring his son’s remains are at last returned home.

Continued…

”Whoever takes over the mine will now be under tremendous pressure to get the guys out,” he told The Courier. ”There is now awareness of this situation around the world and the level of support for a recovery operation is enormous.

”Any company which buys the mine will be a big firm with big resources. I think we can now be quite optimistic that getting the boys out will be a top priority for whoever takes it on.”

If his remains are returned home, Malcolm’s parents plan to lay him to rest next to his beloved grandparents, both of whom passed away recently.

Meanwhile, Mr Campbell said efforts to effect a recovery are continuing but it is a painfully slow process.

”Things are moving on and the latest we have heard is that special camera equipment is arriving from America,” he continued. ”It now looks like recovery crews may be able to walk at least some way up the shaft within the next month.”

Although most of the bodies Malcolm included are thought to be trapped beyond a major rockfall, the remains of some of the victims may be accessible within weeks.

However, Malcolm’s family are well aware his body is likely to be one of the last pulled from the stricken mine.

”Malcolm was actually the last person spoken to in the mine and the explosion could apparently even be heard over his radio,” Mr Campbell continued.

”We now know he was not at the centre of the explosion … but that means he is likely to be the last out.”

Malcolm’s family are now campaigning tirelessly to raise funds to aid the multi-million-pound recovery efforts.

The latest event will be a concert at the 900-seat Younger Hall in St Andrews to be held on November 12. Celtic rock band Cal will be performing.

For tickets call 01334 840827 or 07730 047144.

Meanwhile, legal experts are continuing to fight for ”answers” during an ongoing inquiry into the Pike River disaster.

Mr Campbell ultimately hopes the families of future miners will be spared the kind of heartache being endured by the loved ones of the 29 victims.

”Family lawyers are pushing for answers,” he continued. ”It may be that mining regulations in New Zealand will have to be changed in the future.”