Compensation inadequate for families of Pike River mine disaster

Almost 3 years ago, 29 miners were killed at the Pike River coal mine following a large methane explosion. A Royal Commission investigating the disaster found that the deaths were caused by substandard health and safety conditions at the mine. Earlier this month, a court ordered the company to pay substantial compensation to the families of the victims. The company is now in receivership and has no money. Both New Zealand and Australian unions have called for tougher regulations and the introduction of ‘corporate manslaughter’ by respective governments.

Almost 3 years ago, 29 miners were killed at the Pike River coal mine following a large methane explosion. A Royal Commission investigating the disaster found that the deaths were caused by substandard health and safety conditions at the mine. Earlier this month, a court ordered the company to pay substantial compensation to the families of the victims. The company is now in receivership and has no money. Both New Zealand and Australian unions have called for tougher regulations and the introduction of ‘corporate manslaughter’ by respective governments.