Test shaft nearing completion
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Rescuers are close to completing the drilling of a borehole into a mine in New Zealand where 29 men have been missing since an explosion Friday, reports BBC.
The 15cm (6in) wide shaft had reached a depth of 135m (443ft) by 1700 (0400 GMT), 27m short of the area where the miners are believed to be trapped.
Probes will be lowered down it to check for gas and listen for signs of life. A robot will also be sent into the mine. Prime Minister John Key says there is "every chance" the men are still alive.
However, senior officials also acknowledge that they are planning for all eventualities, including the "possible loss of life".
There has been no contact with the miners - 24 New Zealanders, two Australians, two Britons and a South African - since Friday afternoon.
Every hour and every day that goes by we have to face the facts that they can't stay down there indefinitely"
They were working at the Pike River mine, near Greymouth on South Island, when there was a large explosion, believed to have been caused by methane gas.
Dangerous levels of methane and carbon monoxide inside the mine have hampered efforts by rescue crews to reach them.
On Monday afternoon, the chief executive of the mine's operator, Pike River Coal, said the drilling of the test shaft was progressing well.
Peter Whittall said the drill had cut more than 135m of its 162m target, but was now progressing more slowly as it had hit harder rock. A special diamond drill bit will be used for the last 10m (33ft), to minimise the risk of sparks which could set off another devastating explosion.
Mine blast survivor Daniel Rockhouse (centre) hugs family members following their briefing with officials in Greymouth (22 November 2010) Two workers who walked out of the mine on Friday have been discharged from hospital
As well as taking gas samples, laser imaging equipment and a listening device will be lowered down the borehole to assess the situation inside the mine.
He added that a New Zealand Army robot was being prepared to send into the mine. The remotely operated vehicle will be able to travel up 2.5km (1.5 miles) and is capable of recording images.
The 15cm (6in) wide shaft had reached a depth of 135m (443ft) by 1700 (0400 GMT), 27m short of the area where the miners are believed to be trapped.
Probes will be lowered down it to check for gas and listen for signs of life. A robot will also be sent into the mine. Prime Minister John Key says there is "every chance" the men are still alive.
However, senior officials also acknowledge that they are planning for all eventualities, including the "possible loss of life".
There has been no contact with the miners - 24 New Zealanders, two Australians, two Britons and a South African - since Friday afternoon.
Every hour and every day that goes by we have to face the facts that they can't stay down there indefinitely"
They were working at the Pike River mine, near Greymouth on South Island, when there was a large explosion, believed to have been caused by methane gas.
Dangerous levels of methane and carbon monoxide inside the mine have hampered efforts by rescue crews to reach them.
On Monday afternoon, the chief executive of the mine's operator, Pike River Coal, said the drilling of the test shaft was progressing well.
Peter Whittall said the drill had cut more than 135m of its 162m target, but was now progressing more slowly as it had hit harder rock. A special diamond drill bit will be used for the last 10m (33ft), to minimise the risk of sparks which could set off another devastating explosion.
Mine blast survivor Daniel Rockhouse (centre) hugs family members following their briefing with officials in Greymouth (22 November 2010) Two workers who walked out of the mine on Friday have been discharged from hospital
As well as taking gas samples, laser imaging equipment and a listening device will be lowered down the borehole to assess the situation inside the mine.
He added that a New Zealand Army robot was being prepared to send into the mine. The remotely operated vehicle will be able to travel up 2.5km (1.5 miles) and is capable of recording images.