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Thread ID: 114194	2010-11-22 03:18:00	Pike River Coal Mine	Digby (677)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1155593	2010-11-24 22:05:00	This is a very good story in my opinion and as it happens I did mention it earlier sort of. www.voxy.co.nz	Snorkbox (15764)
1155594	2010-11-24 22:22:00	I haven't noticed on the net any apologies or humility from those who wanted to rush into the mine. Just silence. Or looking for blame. You will be waiting a long time for that, they just slide back under their rocks, or join the labour party.	Cicero (40)
1155595	2010-11-24 22:25:00	I don't want to start anything at this stage as I feel we need to get over the sad loss. But I just saw this on the BBC's site by some UK mining expert "Methane gas is explosive in atmospheric ratios between 5% and 15%. In coal mines in the UK, we aim for less than 1% methane. At 1.25%, the power automatically cuts off, and at 2%, all miners are evacuated. At Pike River, the fact that there was an explosion suggests the methane reached 5% or more. So, either the warning system was inadequate, or it was not sufficiently monitored. Once the initial explosion occurred, the following would have been lost: * Communication * Monitoring of the mine atmosphere * Ventilation " Very interesting. I believe a early report said there was some sort of power cut killing ventilation, may have effected sensors or warning systems but that's pure speculation. A technician/electrician was going up the mine to investigate at the time of the explosion. Often in these situations there is a chain of events that goes wrong, the investigation will reveal what went wrong but i don't believe NZ mines are any less safe than the UK, the UK has had its fair share of mining accidents.	Battleneter2 (9361)
1155596	2010-11-24 23:54:00	I haven't noticed on the net any apologies or humility from those who wanted to rush into the mine. Just silence. Or looking for blame. Well I remain unrepentant. I still consider the lack of any Rescue/Recovery attempt pathetic. I remain firmly on the side of the experts (albeit Aussie) that claim that two Army Bomb Squad members fitted out in their regalia should have entered the mine as soon as possible after the first blast whilst the gas/oxygen levels were low. Another Aussies expert agrees, but would have recommended four people enter the mine, two Bomb Squad and two Miners who were familiar with the mine. I find it hard to argue with what these guys say, and they claim that even if there was a secondary explosion (which there was always going to be once the Gas/Oxygen levels met the right ratio) the gear they wear will withstand a 2000C blast and is made to absorb that type of percussion. I’ve never set eyes on one of these suits so I’m only going by what they claim and taking their word for it. Another theory is the hole they bored actually helped facilitate the second explosion by causing a draft effect. Sounds reasonable to me. Anyway, whilst the hand-wringers and their supporters are prancing around applauding their decision making, I’m going to remain with those that think it was a disaster in more ways than one. However, I do extend my sympathy to all the family and friends of those that have perished and I guess we’ll never know if there was a chance, had things had been handled differently.	B.M. (505)
1155597	2010-11-25 00:29:00	Well I remain unrepentant. I still consider the lack of any Rescue/Recovery attempt pathetic. I remain firmly on the side of the experts (albeit Aussie) that claim that two Army Bomb Squad members fitted out in their regalia should have entered the mine as soon as possible after the first blast whilst the gas/oxygen levels were low. Another Aussies expert agrees, but would have recommended four people enter the mine, two Bomb Squad and two Miners who were familiar with the mine. I find it hard to argue with what these guys say, and they claim that even if there was a secondary explosion (which there was always going to be once the Gas/Oxygen levels met the right ratio) the gear they wear will withstand a 2000C blast and is made to absorb that type of percussion. I’ve never set eyes on one of these suits so I’m only going by what they claim and taking their word for it. Another theory is the hole they bored actually helped facilitate the second explosion by causing a draft effect. Sounds reasonable to me. Anyway, whilst the hand-wringers and their supporters are prancing around applauding their decision making, I’m going to remain with those that think it was a disaster in more ways than one. However, I do extend my sympathy to all the family and friends of those that have perished and I guess we’ll never know if there was a chance, had things had been handled differently. My comments don't include you BM, you being such a good chap most of the time.	Cicero (40)
1155598	2010-11-25 00:38:00	My comments don't include you BM, you being such a good chap most of the time. Just as well. :D	B.M. (505)
1155599	2010-11-25 04:59:00	If part of the mine had collapsed from the first explosion, it wouldn't matter what kind of protective gear they wore. Also I thought I read somewhere that you couldn't use oxygen cylinders because the oxygen mix could have caused an explosion when combined with Methane. That Hawea fault line was close to the pit bottom and the ventilation shaft area of the first explosion. On Wed 17 Nov 7.26am, 2 days before explosion, there was a 3.0 size quake on the coast. Epicentre coordinates 41.87S 171.78E and this could easily have disturbed a previously contained Methane collection in the area the miners were working on. The small shudders, that we are still getting occasionally, keep stopping water going up to our tank on the roof. I'm forever out there fixing the damned thing. The despair that the miners' families have been, and are still going thru is so cruel. Hope they retrieve the bodies ok.	MMM (5660)
1155600	2010-11-25 06:16:00	they just slide back under their rocks, or join the labour party. Is that after renouncing their membership of the communist National party first? :confused:	gary67 (56)
1155601	2010-11-25 06:24:00	Once upon a time people would have said **** happens. Especially in dangerous jobs. Nowdays there's all this whinging and blaming and finger pointing. Accidents happen, move on, it's sad and over.	pctek (84)
1155602	2010-11-25 06:58:00	Well I remain unrepentant. I still consider the lack of any Rescue/Recovery attempt pathetic. Chances are they won't be seeking your consultation on the next rescue mission either. Personally I think those involved in the running this operation deserve some respect, especially the cop in charge, what they had to do would have been incredibly hard (indeed beyond the scope of more limited people) but they played it well.	Metla (12)
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