 There has been criticism because Solid Energy decided in 2014 that it was too risky to re-enter the mine to recover any remains from the mine.The government subsequently purchased the 3580 ha of land around the Pike River Mine.The environment minister Nick Smith announced on 15 November 2015 that the 3580 ha of land is to be added to the Paparoa National Park, and a 45 km walkway, the "Pike 29 Memorial Track" from Blackball to Punakaikai through the park constructed as a memorial to the 29 miners lost in the disaster.