Mining is often about an underground world of tunnels towards the centre of the earth. At Pike River Coal, however, the challenge of New Zealand’s geology has resulted in tunnelling uphill and a reliance on water. New CEO Peter Whittall explains all to Andrew Pelis.
The recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand reveals the geological complexity of the South Island. For Pike River Coal, however, while earth tremors are no major problem, geology has proved to be an uphill struggle.