Former Pike River Mine boss Peter Whittall has a new job, offering mine consultancy services.
Mr Whittall, who was charged with failures following the death of 29 miners at Pike River, has formed Wellington company Peter Whittall & Associates.
The company will offer advice on such issues as mine safety and describes itself as “consulting across a broad range of technical, safety, commercial and management issues, primarily across the minerals industry”.
Mr Whittall’s LinkedIn page aims to sell himself following the charges laid by the Department of Labour under the Health and Safety and Employment Act 1992 for the Pike River Tragedy.
The page reads, “Peter Whittall brings close to 30 years experience as a coal miner and mining executive to his role as CEO. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive, he was Pike's General Manager Mines, a position he held since joining Pike in 2005.
"During that time he was responsible for all operational aspects of the business including mine design and development, and the essential areas of safety and environment. Peter has also been involved in the broader Pike River issues of coal marketing and capital raisings.''
The explosion at the mine lead to the end of his position at Pike River Coal on December 1, and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy is ongoing.
Mr Whittall will defend the 12 Department of Labour charges laid against him, which may incur fines up to $250,000 each.
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