Lessons learnt from past mine disasters

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today that important lessons had been learnt from past mining tragedies on the Queensland coalfields.

Minister Wilson said a number of major reforms had arisen from mining disasters at Box Flat near Ipswich, and at Moura in the Bowen Basin.

“It was on this day, the 7^th August, 1994, that eleven miners were killed in an underground explosion at Moura No. 2 mine,” Mr Wilson said.

“Their deaths are a sad part of Queensland’s collective history. And the history of workers, their struggle, and sadly the ultimate sacrifice of workers should never be forgotten,” he said.

The Minister said one of the major reforms was the creation of SIMTARS, the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station at Redbank.

“Today, it’s recognised as one of the world’s best in mine safety and health,” he said.

On a visit to SIMTARS today, the Minister was shown the latest in research and life-saving technology.

·a methane/coal dust explosion carried out in a 30 metre propagation tube

·a flameproof test carried out on a piece of underground equipment

·a live link of the latest gas monitoring system to a coal mine

·inspections of laboratories and electrical testing facilities; and

·a demonstration of a mine exploration robot

For instance, the 30 metre steel tube produces a few seconds of flame and dust, a loud bang and a pressure blast to replicate what happens in mine gas and coal dust explosions.

“Queensland is ahead of the field. A similar propagation tube is being built in the United States to improve their life-saving techniques in the event of a mine explosion,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister said SIMTARS was at the cutting-edge of mine safety technology and was constantly working to improve safety systems.

“Queensland has one of the best mine safety records in the world and the best mine safety legislation in Australia.

“It’s in everyone’s best interests to keep it that way. The highest safety standards must continue to be enforced – mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker.

The Minister said the State Government would hold an inaugural Miners Memorial Day next month to commemorate the lives of more than 1450 miners who died in mining tragedies that touch on three different centuries of mining in Queensland.

Miners Memorial Day will be held on the anniversary of the worst mining disaster in Queensland’s history.

On the 19^th September, 1921, 75 miners lost their lives in a coal dust explosion at Mount Mulligan in far north Queensland.

“On this day we will remember Mount Mulligan miners and we will remember the miners of Box Flat, Kianga, Collinsville and Moura, and all miners who have lost their lives since mining began in Queensland in the 1800s.

“Mining has helped forge our strong economy. From the early gold rush days, mining has become a multi-billion dollar industry that is powering the state.

“And while we enjoy the benefits of the resources boom, we should reflect on how we got here and at what price – that’s what Miners Memorial Day is all about,” he said.