The Government says the police will not leave the recovery operation at the Pike River coal mine until it is safe and stable inside.
The mine has been judged too dangerous because of a series of gas explosions which began on 9 November, killing 29 men.
Police have suggested the mine could be handed over to another agency such as the Department of Conservation.
But Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee says no transfer will take place for several weeks at least.
