Whittall, who had been employed at the mine since 2005, became Pike’s CEO just weeks before the disaster which killed 29 men and consequently found himself in the media’s spotlight.

He is now facing 12 criminal charges in relation to the tragedy, which he plans to “vigorously” defend.

Whittall, who had been a coal miner for over 30 years, said it was with “deep sadness” that he had left PRC in a statement issued through his lawyers.

“Over the past year, Mr Whittall has continued to seek to do his best for the company and his staff as permitted in extremely difficult circumstances,” the statement said.

“Having chosen not to take voluntary redundancy and leave the company or this country for other opportunities, Mr Whittall’s loyalty to Pike and commitment to trying to determine what caused the tragic explosion on 19 November 2010 has been unwavering.”

PRC receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers said Whittall was informed of his termination at the beginning of September this year.

PwC receiver Malcolm Hollis told ILN Whittall’s employment was terminated because the role of chief executive was no longer required as PRC was now in the hands of the receivers.

His lawyers said Whittall intended to remain in New Zealand to continue with the current inquiries into the disaster.

The December hearings of phase three of the Royal Commission Inquiry into the Pike River tragedy will begin next Monday.

Four witnesses will take the stand, including former PRC safety training coordinator Neville Rockhouse.

Rockhouse was the father of Ben, who died in the mine, while his other son Daniel Rockhouse survived.

The December hearings will examine the safety culture at the mine in relation to management, miners and contractors.