It has taken 12 days to recover the body of 59-year-old Darwin man Craig Butler since he was crushed by an estimated 48,000 cubic metres of rock and soil from a pit wall collapse.

The Bootu Creek manganese mine north of Tennant Creek was shut down soon after by the NT Government.

Police and the mine company have flown in other geotechnical experts to help retrieve the man's body from the still unstable rock pile.

Specialist operational equipment was also deployed.

"Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Butler," police said in a statement this afternoon.

"We thank everyone involved in the recovery.

"As there is a coronial investigation underway there will be no further comment."

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.