Coal was discovered on the West Coast by Nelson surveyor Thomas Brunner "during the most arduous of his journeys in search of more agricultural land".

It seemed most likely that the explosion was caused by firedamp, a common hazard in coal mines, where a pocket of methane gas is accidentally ignited and explodes.

The entrance to the mine has long been engulfed by the bush, as have any trace of the bustling industry that once existed on that spot.

A loop walk with interpretive panels leads from the car park next to State Highway 7 down the valley and over the refurbished Brunner Bridge to the remnants of the Brunner Mine site and a memorial statue.

A meticulously restored Q class railway coal wagon[2] is on display near the bridge.