In response to the tragic loss of life at Pike River Mine near Greymouth in the south island of New Zealand, Orica will be donating NZ$25,000 to the Pike River Miners' Relief Fund which has been established to benefit the victim's families.

Pike River Mine is a significant customer of Orica's in New Zealand. Since the underground development commenced Minova has been involved selling and servicing ground support products to Pike River. Orica Mining Services sells a significant amount of permitted explosives and detonators to Pike River via contractor McConnell Dowell and Orica Chemicals supplies water treatment products. Minova in particular, were extremely fortunate not to have anyone underground at the time of the first explosion as people were on site completing scheduled service commitments the previous week.

Our thoughts are with the victim's families, friends and the company at this very difficult time.