“Solid Energy’s board decision about whether to continue with the project to re-enter the drift at the Pike River mine will not occur at the October board meeting as first indicated,” the company said.

“The decision has been deferred to ensure the company has sufficient time to consider the feedback from experts advising the Pike River families’ group.

“The company had intended to have this process completed for a board decision by the end of this month. However, the Pike River families’ group has agreed that Solid Energy take a little more time.”

Solid also said it would consider the feedback provided by the families’ advisors before making a decision on re-entry.

The state-owned New Zealand coal producer came under renewed public pressure in September after an Official Information Act request revealed a WorkSafe and Mines Rescue assessment that said re-entering the mine was technically feasible.

“The document goes on to say that there are no technical or safety barriers standing in the way,”3 News reported at the time.

“The worst part of this information is that Solid Energy was given this information almost a year ago.”

Solid has previously outlined the various risks facing any effort to re-enter the mine, with the tunnel re-entry and exploration project based on going up to the rockfall that has blocked off the drift 2.3km in.