Mining expert David Cliff arrives at Pike River

Australian mining expert David Cliff has arrived at the Pike River site, as work continues to try and recover the miners’ bodies.

The gag engine, a modified jet engine brought over to try put out the fire burning inside by the mine by pumping in inert, non-flammable gases and starving the fire of oxygen, is expected to start running today.

Dr Cliff is an expert on a number of facets of mining, including gas analysis, emergency preparedness, fires, explosions and spontabeous combustion.

Media coverage: (newest first)

NZ Herald: Mine entrance sealed, expert at site

TVNZ: Mine entrance sealed, jet’s use closer

RadioNZ: Australian expert joins Pike River Coal mine operation

Morning report: Advice from expert crucial in recovery of miners’ bodies

NZ Herald (tv): Pike River: GAG expert crucial to recovery