Latest fromMining
'Try scoring machine' among mine victims
As the West Coast holds its breath in hope for the 29 missing miners, the local league community is thinking of Blair Sims and his family.
Pike mine survivor suffers double tragedy
West Coast mine blast survivor suffers a double tragedy after his brother was trapped, and his grandfather died.
Mine expert: No urgent rush to reach miners
An Australian mine expert says there is no urgent need to reach the trapped miners "at this point in time", backing the Pike River rescue approach.
Pike River blast: Locals in limbo
West Coasters went about their business today hoping for the best but painfully aware of the grim record of tragedies in mining.
<i>Our View:</i> We watch and wait with Coasters
With luck, the country will receive news that the brave 29 are back above ground and telling tall tales over a beer.
Mine blast: Air quality tests 'inconclusive'
Police say a bid to rescue or recover 29 miners trapped in a West Coast coal mine is on hold, and could begin at any time over the next two days.
Miner who avoided Pike River blast faces anxious wait
He avoided yesterday's Pike River blast by minutes - now a miner waits for news of trapped workmates.
Pike River blast: Methane fingered in explosion
Mining companies around the world face a constant struggle to avoid accumulations of methane gas and coal dust underground.
Mine blast: How the Pike River rescue will work
Rescue crews will face a number of challenges as they work towards accessing the area where 29 coal miners are believed to be trapped.
Pike River Coal in the news
Since its announcement in 2005, the Herald has tracked the progress of the Pike River coal mine.
Men climbed chimney to escape mine
The two men who managed to get out of the Pike River mine clambered up a narrow chimney to escape.
Mine blast: Pike River collapse 'unlikely', says CEO
29 miners remain trapped underground after yesterday's blast at Pike River Coal's West Coat mine.
<i>Grant Bradley</i>: Miners inhabit a deep, dark, dank world
The Herald's energy reporter, who has visited Pike River, reflects on the project's delays, and now disaster.
Mine emergency: 'Our thoughts are with them'
Cabinet ministers were last night travelling to the Pike River Mine, as the Government offered assistance in the rescue of the trapped miners.
Trapped miners rescue bid likely later today
Concerns over air quality are delaying the start of a rescue attempt to find 27 men trapped after an explosion at a West Coast mine this afternoon.
Rescue team yet to enter West Coast mine
A rescue team preparing to search for 27 men trapped inside a collapsed West Coast mine are still assessing the safety of conditions inside the mine.
Pike River expected methane gas emissions
Methane gas has long been identified as a potential problem for the Pike River Coal mine, as rescuers scramble to find up to 27 missing miners.
Your messages of support for the Pike River miners
Send your messages of support to the families and friends of the trapped West Coast miners.
<i>Chris Baker</i>: Clean technology the only alternative to coal mining
There's about 1 trillion tonnes of easy-access coal available.