Solid Energy's board is considering a plan to re-enter the Pike River mine on the West Coast to try and recover the bodies of 29 men who died there in a series of explosions in November 2010.
The re-entry plan prepared by a Solid Energy team would involve the use of nitrogen to reduce the chance of another explosion in the methane heavy atmosphere.
A team would then re-enter it as far as 2.2km into the main entry tunnel where it is believed the mine has collapsed.
The mine would then be sealed off and fresh air pumped in so a search could take place for the bodies of any men who made it into the tunnel.
The plan needs the approval of Solid Energy's board, the High Hazards Unit and the Government which has already set aside $10 million for the task.
The entry to the Pike River mine after the explosion. Photo: RNZ