By 3 News online staff
One of the 10 charges laid against Pike River Coal Ltd (PRC) has been withdrawn in the Greymouth District Court today.
The charge, brought against PRC by the Department of Labour, related to the company’s general contractor management.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has assumed the work of the former DoL and sought leave to withdraw the charge today.
“We consider that the relevant factors will be adequately addressed within the detail of the other charges Pike River still faces,” head of Health and Safety for the Ministry , Lesley Haines, said.
The decision does not affect the nine other charges PRC faces, which are:
- Four offences of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees
- Four of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its contractors, subcontractors and their employees in relation to specific activities within the mine
- One charge of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure that no action or inaction of its employees harmed another person
Twenty-nine men were killed during an explosion at Pike River mine in 2010.
One of the contractors charged with safety failings over the explosions has admitted charges, but former CEO Peter Whittall has had his case put off.
VLI Drilling admitted three health and safety charges in Greymouth District Court today.
However, lawyers did not appear for either the Pike River Coal company or Mr Whittall.
The judge agreed to adjourn Whittall's case, VLI Drilling's sentencing and Pike River Coal's hearing until October.
3 News