Reviews underway after Queensland mining tragedies

review, Dr Anthony Lynham

Queensland Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has announced two expert independent reviews are now underway to identify changes needed to improve health and safety in the state’s mines and quarries.

The announcement comes after Dr Lynham expressed his distress over the death of a worker on Sunday, July 6 at Baralaba North coal mine west of Gladstone – the sixth death in Queensland mines in 12 months. There was a separate incident on the same morning at the Collinsville open-cut coal mine that left a worker seriously injured.

As part of the reviews, forensic structural engineer Dr Sean Brady is examining all fatal incidents in Queensland mines and quarries since 2000.

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“I have broadened this review. It was originally coal mine incidents only to the end of 2018, but will now include mineral mine and quarry incidents, and all fatal incidents this year,” Dr Lynham said.

“This review will look at why mine workers have died over the past 20 years; how industry can improve and how the mines inspectorate can work better.

“Separately, the University of Queensland is reviewing the state’s mining health and safety legislation to ensure it is relevant to current and emerging mine practice and technology.

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“The UQ team will consult with industry, unions, mines inspectors and legal experts during the review.

“The reviews received the full support of industry representatives at this afternoon’s [July 8] meeting.

They will both be completed by the end of this year and will be tabled in Parliament.”

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