A new investigation into the Pike River explosion is reportedly being opened by police, five years after their original case was closed.

Police are also open to pressing criminal charges if necessary.

Newshub has reported Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers was in Greymouth last week.

Pike River Mine is 46km northeast of Greymouth.

As well as Chambers visiting, Commissioner Mike Bush met with affected families for the first time since police closed the case in 2013.

Chambers, in charge of investigations, and Detective Superintendent Peter Read attended the meeting with the Pike River Recovery Agency at the New Zealand Mines Rescue just outside Greymouth last week.

Chambers and Read met with Pike River families representatives Bernie Monk and Anna Osborne.

"Police would have a dual role should re-entry to the drift be achieved," Newshub reported.

"One involves completion of the scene examination in relation to the original police investigation. The other role involves management of any processes required on behalf of the Coroner."

On November 19, 2010 a methane blast at the mine trapped and killed 29 workers inside, where they remain today.