Today's Pike River disaster ranks as the worst national mining disaster in 96 years since 43 coal miners lost their lives at Ralph's Mine, Waikato.

Some of the cars lined up outside the Do Duck Inn Bakery come and go, but others have not moved since Friday.

"The families are frustrated, we are frustrated, the country is frustrated," John Key said after four days of waiting for a rescue effort.

Missing miner Stuart Mudge loves the industry for the hard work and mateship it provides.

If you haven't got time to read all our in-depth coverage of the Pike River Mine disaster, here's a quick summary of five key things you need to know today.

West Coast mine blast survivor suffers a double tragedy after his brother was trapped, and his grandfather died.

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.

With luck, the country will receive news that the brave 29 are back above ground and telling tall tales over a beer.