Experts suggest a split-second gas outburst may have overwhelmed the Pike River miners before they could respond to any alarms.

Jim Anderton seems to have made it his personal mission to end the life-and-death lottery that working in underground mines has entailed.

Families of the dead men due to be bused to the Pike River mine tomorrow will still go, despite a third explosion at the mine this afternoon.

A Westport man has told how he and three others ran for their lives when the Pike River Coal mine exploded at 2.37pm on Wednesday.

There has been a third explosion at the Pike River mine this afternoon. The blast occurred at 3.39pm and lasted for 23 seconds.

See how the the Pike River mine disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 29 miners, unfolded over seven days.

As the West Coast struggles with the emotional cost of the Pike River tragedy, chairman John Dow has reassured the community there is still a future for the mine and the company.

A third robot that has gone 1575m into the Pike River coal mine has detected debris and destruction indicating Wednesday's blast was much more violent than the first one.

The GAG unit flown for the Pike River coal mine recovery effort is 'no gimmick' and has been used successfully in Queensland mines, the head of an Australian miners' union says.

NZ Oil & Gas has today provided the balance of a $25 million short term funding facility to Pike River Coal.

A Pike River Relief Fund Trust has been established for the families of the 29 men who died in the Pike River coal mine.

A small West Coast community will now face the task of recovering and rebuilding following a disaster of devastating proportions.

International experts say they are shocked a mining disaster the magnitude of the Pike River tragedy occurred in a modern mine.

Liquid nitrogen could be used to stabilise the situation in the Pike River mine, experts told the Science Media Centre.

Mines Rescue workers who wanted to save 29 men trapped underground in the Pike River coal mine remain united in their desire to get their brothers back, their leader says.

NZ is a nation in mourning as memorial services are held, condolence books arranged, and candles lit throughout the country.

He has to accept he has lost a son. But Marty Palmer won't give up until his son's body is back with the family so they can mourn properly.

The ACC will ensure money is the least of the worries for the families of the Pike River 29, says ACC Minister Nick Smith.

Even the biggest concert of the year acknowledged the sombre mood of the nation. U2's Bono said the band felt privileged to be

Police Commissioner Howard Broad today praised the work of Superintendent Gary Knowles, the police officer who led the mission to rescue 29 miners.

Bells tolled and flags were lowered to half mast today to pay tribute to the 29 miners lost in the Pike River tragedy.

While refusing to focus on the Pike River mine's future today, CEO Peter Whittall did reveal it's future worth.