Queensland police, the Queensland Mines Inspectorate (QMI) and other authorities have attended the Curragh coal mine near Blackwater, Queensland following an incident involving a contract worker.
Coronado Global Resources suspended operations at the mine complex after a Thiess employee was involved in a fatal accident on January 12.
The Queensland Government is working with the industry and unions to ensure an ongoing focus on safety within the sector, to prevent future accidents such as the one at Curragh.
Coronado has made counselling services available to Curragh mine employees.
“Coronado and Thiess extend their deepest sympathies to the family of the individual and all those affected by this tragic event,” Coronado stated in a media release.
“Operations at Curragh have been suspended until investigators permit the operations to resume.”
Officials have started an investigation relating to the accident. Coronado will provide further updates on mine operations in due course.
“Safety is always the resource sector’s number one priority,” Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane said.
“The resources industry is tight-knit, so this tragedy will deeply affect everyone who works in and with the resources community.”
“Sadly, the QMI was notified of an incident which has resulted in the death of a mine worker at Curragh coal mine in central Queensland,” a QMI spokesperson said.
“Mine inspectors have commenced their investigation into the nature and cause of this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family of the worker, colleagues and the local community.”
As the investigation has only just started, the QMI is unable to provide further information at this time.