Sentencing of Pike River Coal Limited (in receivership)

Media Release

5 July 2013

Sentencing of Pike River Coal Limited (in receivership)

This media release is issued by Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, lawyers for John Dow, Ray Meyer and Stuart Nattrass who were three of the directors of Pike River Coal Limited (now in receivership) at the time of the tragic explosion at Pike River's coal mine on 19 November 2010.

Pike River has today been sentenced to pay fines and reparations in relation to health and safety breaches.

Media reports indicate the Judge commented to the effect that Pike River walked away from the families of the men who lost their lives in the company's mine. Our clients maintain that this is not the case. Good faith efforts were made by Pike River men and women in the wake of the explosion to support the families by providing, among other things, family liaison services, distribution of food and other parcels, and regular updates at meetings attended by families and the Police.

Our clients acknowledge that it has been an immensely difficult week for the families who have relived the events of November 2010. Our clients continue to offer their genuine sympathy and condolences to the families.

It is understood that the sentencing Judge stated today that no funds have been forthcoming from Pike River to help the families. That is not accepted by our clients. They would like it known that Pike River and NZOG contributed very shortly following the explosion a total of $1 million to funds set up for the benefit of the families.

The health and safety prosecution of Pike River has proceeded without any defence or contest given that the company was placed into receivership within weeks of the explosions that destroyed its sole asset. Likewise the company was not represented at the sentencing hearing. Nevertheless, prior to its receivership, Pike River did fully cooperate with all inquiries including the health and safety investigation. Our clients likewise fully cooperated with the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

ENDS

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