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Friday, November 19, 2010

Weekend reflection: Pike River mine explosion in New Zealand




http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/
We had a mine explosion here in New Zealand. I reflect not so long ago when the Chillean miners were trapped in their mine. I reflect on do we need so much fossil fuels to produce so much electricity. I ponder if we are using our resources wisely. I wonder if we should be mining so much at all.

In April, I wrote against mining in beautiful native bush.
http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2010/04/skywatch-friday-save-our-worldmarch.html

Pike River Coal CEO Peter Whitall says it unlikely that yesterday's explosion could have caused a collapse at the mine, where 29 miners remain missing.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10688869
'All we can do is wait'
By Jarrod Booker
5:30 AM Saturday Nov 20, 2010

A temporary shelter (red tent) has been set up at the Pike River mine for rescue staff, and a helicopter is parked in front of the mine office.
A temporary shelter (red tent) has been set up at the Pike River mine for rescue staff, and a helicopter is parked in front of the mine office. Photo / Stewart Nimmo
A temporary shelter (red tent) has been set up at the Pike River mine for rescue staff, and a helicopter is parked in front of the mine office. Photo / Stewart Nimmo Shrink
A temporary shelter (red tent) has been set up at the Pike River mine for rescue staff, and a helicopter is parked in front of the mine office. Photo / Stewart Nimmo

Family and friends of the missing miners gathered last night at the Pike River headquarters in Greymouth, before moving to a nearby Red Cross welfare centre.

Most were reluctant to comment during their anxious wait, but supporters said it was a frustrating time.

"All we can do is wait," said one.

Police were encouraging families to use the welfare centre, which was warm and dry, instead of trying to go to the mine.

The access road is closed except to those involved in the rescue bid.

Ikamatua panelbeater John Batten said everyone in the town - about 46km from the mine - was very concerned.

"Everybody's hoping for the best and it's not looking good at present. It's an absolute major. We're just waiting. It's catastrophic."

These are my only two photos of Greymouth we took during our trip in 2000, it was significant, Sam was three and we were worried that he was afraid of Santa, but Sam proved us wrong. That day in Greymouth was also significant to me. The Top Ten camping site was located next to an old cemetery. I woke up very early in the morning, and walked among the graves. It was revisiting my late baby Andrew's time when he was alive.

10 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

Time goes so fast!Christmas time has arrived!
Very interesting post, with important subjects, very well done!
Léia

Rune Eide said...

Important questions indeed.

Ginny Hartzler said...

These mining disasters need to stop, many are because they are not following safe rules and regulations! So sad for these people who risk their lives every day just by going to work!

Springman said...

Your miners are world news. I wish wisdom for the rescuers and godspeed to the miners.

Windsmoke. said...

Hopefully all miners will be rescued and returned alive and well to their families we'll just have to wait and see. From reports we are getting in Australia there's too much Methane gas present in the mine to attempt an rescue.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

That is sad about the mine accident.. Hope the trapped miners can be found ----and can make it out alive. SO very very sad.

Love the picture of Sam and Santa... And I know what it must have meant to you to visit Andrew's grave.

Blessings and Hugs,
Betsy

Francisca said...

Sad reflections.

Jim said...

It's sad. Hope it turns out happy.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

George said...

I hope the New Zealand miners are as fortunate as those in Chile, although I hope they don't have to wait as long to be rescued. Our prayers are with them and with the rescuers.

Ebie said...

How sad for this terrible incident. Hope there was not much lives lost.