The road to the Huntly East Mine. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae
As the Government plans to expand mining projects, the service set up to respond when things go wrong is in dire need of funding.
The Mines Rescue Service was established following the 1926 Dobson Mine Disaster with a user-pays levy system introduced to fund it following Pike River.
But since then things have changed - its remit has broadened, and its revenue stream has dried up.
The Service is the only organisation in the country with the ability to respond to incidents with the need for specialist breathing capability - for example responding to emergencies where long duration breathing apparatus is required which neither Fire and Emergency or Police have access to.
These emergency supports are expected of the Service more and more - but it receives no funding for it.
Last week the Government confirmed its mining strategy and released its updated critical minerals list.
The board chair of the Service, Joe Edwards, says while some fresh revenue may come from new or expanded mining operations it won't be enough.
This years' costs are approximately double the amount expected from levies. Joe Edwards speaks to Kathryn Ryan.
