record entry - mine
TRANSCRIPT
High Hazards Unit WorkSafe New Zealand
PO Box 165, Wellington, 6140 Email: [email protected]
Page 1 of 3
Record Entry - Mine
Guardian File Number: 5799082
11 January 2021
Kevin Pattinson
Site Senior Executive/Mine Manager
Pike River Mine
Te Kāhui Whakamana Rua Tekau mā Iwa - Pike River Recovery Agency (PRRA)
PO Box 414
GREYMOUTH 7840
PLEASE PLACE THIS RECORD OF INSPECTION ON THE MINE NOTICE BOARD OR DISTRIBUTE TO THE
ENTIRE WORKFORCE (INCLUDING CONTRACTORS).
Background
WorkSafe New Zealand – High Hazards Unit – Specialist Health & Safety Inspectors Bryan Harrington
and John Ewen conducted an announced inspection of the Pike River Mine on 2 December 2020.
Inspection
Inspectors Bryan Harrington and John Ewen were admitted through the mine gate and drove to the mine
site where they were met by Mr Dinghy Pattinson Site Senior Executive (SSE) at the bottom office
complex.
Inspectors met with Mr Pattinson and Mr Greg Duncan Mine Manager (MM). Mr Pattinson gave an overview
of the project to date.
Overview of Project
The recovery of the drift is currently at 2085.5m, this leaves 55m to reach the Rocsil Plug. Advance rates
have slowed considerably due to being in the coal measures and having to install mega bolts. The mega
bolts are being installed on a one two pattern every metre.
Mr Pattinson explained that the recovery of the drift to the Rocsil plug should be complete before
Christmas.
VCD 2 exact location is still to be identified, but at this stage will be between Bore Hole 23 and 53. The
exact location will be identified once the conditions in the area are confirmed.
The Police have informed PRRA that all equipment located at the pit bottom in stone is to be brought to
the surface for inspection. This has required PRRA to purchase another underground Loader. This will
arrive late December 2020. Inspectors asked for the ventilation Officer to send a ventilation plan showing
that there is enough ventilation to run all of the machines underground when required.
Mr Pattinson explained there will be an overriding Broad Brush Risk Assessment undertaken in the first
instance before any equipment is removed to the surface. Then each individual piece of equipment will
have a JSA undertaken before removing this to the surface.
The site is going down to one shift a day after Christmas, with workers having to re-apply for their jobs.
Mr Pattinson explained that during the Christmas break, which is from 3pm on 23 December 2020 to 5
January 2021. PRRA intend to revert to the Covid lockdown procedures, which mean that there will be no
underground inspections, but the mine atmosphere will be monitored remotely. The surface will have
inspections carried out every two days.
