Almost exactly a year after a series of explosions ripped through New Zealand’s Pike River mine, killing 29 people including two Scots, the bodies of some of the victims could finally be recovered in time for Christmas.
The Courier can reveal the families of victims including Fife man Malcolm Campbell have been informed plans for a new recovery operation have been given the green light.
The development could result in some bodies being recovered within the next four weeks.
Malcolm, from Cameron near St Andrews, and Perth-born Pete Rodger were among those to perish following last November’s tragedy.
It has also been revealed that the New Zealand Government has filed a total of 25 criminal charges for alleged health and safety violations at Pike River. If found guilty, those responsible could face a total fine of more than £3 million.
Malcolm’s father, also Malcolm, told The Courier his family had been given ”fresh hope” after learning of new efforts to recover the bodies of the men who have been entombed in their makeshift grave for nearly 12 months.
”We have been told a new plan has been approved to recover the drift (main shaft leading to the mine),” Mr Campbell told The Courier. ”A foam compound will be pumped in to seal the main rockfall within the mine and then the drift will be re-vented.”
With some bodies thought to be trapped in the shaft, the families of some of the disaster’s victims could finally be set to receive the kind of closure they have spent months praying for.
Although Malcolm is thought to be entombed further inside the mine, Mr Campbell insists the new development is ”very positive”.
”While about 20 of the guys are inside the mine, some men could also be in the drift due to the change of shifts at the time of the explosion,” Mr Campbell said. ”Hopefully there could be some closure for some of the families in time for Christmas.
”Malcolm was actually speaking to a controller on the phone when the blast happened…he was doing maintenance work and is likely to be further in the mine. However, the new recovery is very positive news for us and gives us a bit of fresh hope.”
Mr Campbell also welcomed news of the 25 charges laid against three unspecified parties.
”If those operating the mine have done wrong then they should be punished,” he said. ”At the end of the day, if there were failings those responsible must hold up their hands.
”I am a quarry manager myself and I take my responsibilities to ensure everybody goes home safely at night very seriously.”
New Zealand’s Labour Department confirmed the charges are against three parties but declined to name them or detail the exact charges. Officials added that the country’s restrictive rules on releasing information in court proceedings could apply to the case.
Each of the charges carries a maximum fine of 250,000 New Zealand dollars (around £122,000).
An official investigation into the disaster is continuing in New Zealand but the Labour Department needed to file the charges before the inquiry concluded to comply with a one-year statute of limitations rule.
Celtic rock band Cal are playing the Younger Hall, St Andrews, on Saturday night in aid of the Pike River Miners’ Recovery Fund.
The gig, which also includes support artists, starts at 7.30 and tickets, priced at £15, are available by phoning 01334 840827 07730 047144.