Pike River "lucky rock" attracts bidders

Bidding on Trade Me for a 'lucky rock' found by a former Pike River miner has reached $500.

Trader BoyJames claims he found the rock in the mine about a week before the first explosion.

Pike River mine remains closed after a series of explosions from November 19 which killed 29 men and recovery operations are ongoing.

BoyJames said he kept it as his lucky rock and still claimed it to be lucky because he was still alive.

"It now appears that our jobs are gone...I'm hoping that this rock may just help me and my young family through Christmas."

Rocks found at the coal seam were called "chucky rocks" and were treasured by coal miners, he said.

The listing features photos of BoyJames with his family and with Pike River chief executive Peter Whittall.

Some other users had commented on the poor spelling of the listing and doubted its authenticity though most members passed on their best wishes.

Bidding had reached $500 this morning. The auction closes tomorrow evening.

- NZPA