Mine disaster anniversary sharpens safety focus

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said Miners Memorial Day provided an opportunity for everyone associated with mining to reflect and recommit to improving mine safety.

“As we reflect on this day, it also allows us an opportunity to pause, and recommit to ensuring workers return safely to their families at the end of every shift,” he said.

“It is also an appropriate occasion to reflect on what can happen if we do not remain vigilant about protecting the safety and health of our mine workers.” 

Dr Lynham said it was vital that the safety and health framework kept pace with change in a dynamic industry.

“The recent tragedy at the Newlands coal mine and the re-emergence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis in 2015-16 is a reminder to us all that we must always be vigilant when it comes to mining health and safety and safety and health is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

“Addressing this insidious disease is a priority of mine, and we have taken decisive and comprehensive action to ensure there’s no place for black lung in our industry.”

Queensland’s annual Miners Memorial Day commemorates more than 1500 people who have lost their lives working in Queensland’s coal and metalliferous mines since the 19^th century.

Miners Memorial Day highlights the most important aspect of mining - the safety and health of the men and women who work in our mines and emphasises the economic and social importance of the mining sector to delivering prosperity to Queensland. 

Since 2008, an annual service has been held in a Queensland mining community every year on 19 September. This is the anniversary of the state’s worst mining mine disaster, when 75 miners were killed in explosion at the Mount Mulligan coal mine in far north Queensland in 1921.

ENDS                         19 September, 2016

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