The Pike River Mine is a coal mine operated by Pike River Coal 46 km (29 mi) north-northeast of Greymouth in the West Coast Region of New Zealands South Island.It was to begin production in early 2008, and was initially expected to produce around one million tonnes of coal per year for around 20 years, making the mine the second-largest coal export mine in the country, as well as the largest underground coal mine of the country.

Pike River Mine was an underground coal mine located in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island. It was owned by Pike River Coal Ltd and operated by Solid Energy, and was the site of the 2010 Pike River Mine disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 29 miners.

The mine was located in the Paparoa Range, on the north-west corner of the South Island, approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) northeast of Greymouth. It was accessed by a 2.3-kilometre (1.4 mi) long tunnel from the nearby State Highway 6. The mine was estimated to contain 29 million tonnes of recoverable coal, with a further 28 million tonnes of coal in the surrounding area.

The Pike River Mine began operations in 2008, and by 2010 it had produced over 1.2 million tonnes of coal. The coal was exported to India, Japan, and other countries for use in steel production. The mine employed around 200 people, and was the largest employer in the Greymouth area.

On 19 November 2010, an explosion occurred in the mine, trapping 29 miners and contractors inside. The explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas, which had not been detected due to a faulty ventilation system. Rescue attempts were made, but were unsuccessful, and all 29 miners were declared dead on 24 November 2010.

The Pike River Mine disaster was the worst mining disaster in New Zealand since 1914, and the second worst in the country's history. It resulted in a wide-ranging inquiry into the safety of New Zealand's mines, and the implementation of new safety regulations. The families of the victims also received compensation from the government.

The mine has since been sealed off, and is not expected to reopen. The tragedy of the Pike River Mine disaster continues to be remembered in New Zealand, and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in the workplace.

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