Making sure mining booms for all the right reasons

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today that extensive tests were being carried out in Queensland on flameproof enclosures in underground coal mines.

“Queensland is home to one of only two testing stations in Australia that carry out life-saving tests on underground coal mining equipment,” Mr Wilson said.

“Here in Queensland we’ve got Simtars – a testing and research station – and right now they’re carrying out tests on flameproof enclosures where electrical equipment is stored,” he said.

“There are dangerous gases in underground coal mines. If gas enters a flameproof enclosure, just one electrical spark could ignite and start a fire.

“Safety experts at Simtars are currently testing the pressure of flameproof enclosures.

“It’s all about creating a safer working environment for the men and women who work in Queensland’s mines,” he said.

Minister Wilson said flameproof enclosures could be as small as a 100 millimetre electrical junction box or up to four to five metres long.

“The big ones house high-powered, electrical equipment,” he said.

“Testing to international safety standards will ensure that flameproof enclosures are strong enough to withstand an internal explosion without bursting, cracking or opening up any of the joints to an unsafe level.

“We've entered a new era of mining in Queensland. We're in boom times, but safety must always come first because nothing is more important than that,” he said.

Minister Wilson said the safety and health of men and women who work in Queensland’s mines would be strengthened through a new industry safety and health levy.

“The levy will help boost the services provided by the state’s mine safety watchdog – the Mines Inspectorate – that provides vital safety and health services.

“We’re asking for $26 million from an industry that was worth $26 billion to Queensland in 2006/2007. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for that.

“We have the best mine safety legislation in Australia and it must continue to be enforced mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker. That’s where the Mines Inspectorate steps in.

“The new levy will fund seven new specialist mines inspectors, two investigators, five scientific research staff, an occupational hygienist, a statistician and a manager of health surveillance,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819