Pike River updates the market

Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall Photo / Mark Mitchell

Pike River Coal has released an update to the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.

The company's shares remain on a trading halt.

The statement details yesterday's fourth explosion, and the plans to use a gag jet engine to put the fire out inside the mine.

The company has reiterated its intention to cooperate with inquiries into the disaster.

As for Pike River's future, no assessment of the damage to the mine could be made until the recovery operation is completed, the company said.

- NEWSTALK ZB