Families of the 29 workers who died in a New Zealand coal mine explosion last year are hoping for answers as an official inquiry into the disaster began hearing testimony on July 11th 2011.

The public probe comes just two weeks after crews re entered the mine for the first time since the accident to try to recover the bodies. That operation could take months as crews inch their way down the mine, setting up air seals and extracting dangerous gasses as they go.

A three person commission began hearing testimony from mine and energy experts in the South Island town of Greymouth, about 30 miles southwest of the Pike River mine where the workers died in methane fueled explosions last November.

The panel aims to find out what caused the explosions, as well as unearth any problems with safety procedures and rescue operations. The panel could recommend changes to New Zealand's mining industry.

Commission lawyer James Wilding said there were questions about whether Pike River Coal Ltd was under financial pressure, and, if so, whether that weakened health and safety standards in the mine.

Bernie Monk, whose son Michael died in the tragedy, told the Associated Press this week that the families want to find out the truth about what went wrong and to make sure it never happens again. He said he's glad the families will also get a chance to testify. He added that "We wanted to be heard. A lot of us are from mining backgrounds. We are not fools to be swept under the carpet."

(Sourced from www.businessweek.com)