Administrative Call For Parties Charged Over Pike River Explosion

There appears to be some misunderstanding of what will occur at the hearing on 31 January 2012 in relation to charges laid against Pike River Coal, Peter Whittall and VLI Drilling Pty Limited.

This is an administrative call and the Department and defendants will be represented by counsel. It is highly unlikely that the hearing will involve pleas.

This hearing may yet be subject to a further adjournment meaning there will be no appearances.

The hearing is set for 10am 31 January 2012.