Minister convenes meetings on mine safety

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson will convene a series of meetings in Brisbane this week with mine safety inspectors, union delegates and representatives from Anglo Coal Australia to discuss safety issues at the Moranbah North mine site in Central Queensland.

The Minister’s request for meetings with all stakeholders follows a series of recent incidents at the mine.

“My decision to convene these meetings was reinforced by an incident that occurred at the mine today, when a section of roof subsided,” Mr Wilson said.

“Today’s incident also reinforces the importance of all parties working together to determine the full extent of risks at the mine site and any action that needs to be taken,” he said.

The Mines Inspectorate is continuing its investigations into a number of incidents at the Moranbah North mine.

“Last week, I requested the Director General of Mines and Energy to ensure the Mines Inspectorate thoroughly investigates these incidents at the Anglo Coal mine and to provide me with a detailed report on completion of the investigations.

“I’ll await the outcome of the investigations, but if it’s found that tough action needs to be taken, I make no apology for taking tough action.

“People need to know that there is nothing more important than workplace health and safety in the mining industry.

“Over the last few weeks I have held talks with mining companies and mining industry workers where I reinforced the importance of meeting high industry safety standards.

“As Minister, I expect, and the government expects, all industry stakeholders to ensure that high safety standards are met and maintained.

“The safety of our miners comes first,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819