Suggestions former Pike River boss Peter Whittall could face manslaughter charges come as no surprise to the families of the victims.
Sonya Rockhouse lost her son in the tragedy, and says the news has been a long time coming.
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"The police have always said that this has never been closed and that should there be any evidence found up the drift, then it's quite possible that one or more people could be charged," she said.
According to Ms Rockhouse, whether charges are laid depends on what is lying in the drift and that is why re-entry is needed.
"It will depend on what they find up the drift, but that could be anywhere from one person to three or four, five people, who knows," she said.
Health and safety charges against Mr Whittall were dismissed after a pay-out. He did not return Newshub's calls for comment.
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