Former Pike River chief in court next week

Peter Whittall. Photo / pool

Former Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall and two other parties charged with failing to ensure the safety of the 29 men killed in the mine disaster a year ago, are to appear in Greymouth District Court on Tuesday.

It is likely that they will all simply be granted a registrar's adjournment.

Pike River Coal Ltd (in receivership), Valley Longwall International's in-seam drilling subsidiary VLI Drilling Pty, and Mr Whittall, have all been summonsed to appear in court at 10am.

The Department of Labour charges allege failures of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, and each carries a maximum penalty of $250,000.