NSW mines are being asked to remain diligent and prepare for the storm season that runs between October and March each year.
Storms can have a major impact on mining operations. That’s why the NSW Resources Regulator is urging operators to conduct seasonal risk assessments to consider the type and likelihood of events that may affect their operation.
Damage to businesses can come in the form of flooding, high winds, flying debris, loss of power and communications, as well as bushfires close to operations. Lightning strikes have also been known to cause tyre explosions.
Being storm ready includes having established procedures and escalation processes, for example a trigger action response plan (TARP), to ensure workers remain safe during a storm event. This includes having safe re-entry protocols in place.
Evolution Mining’s Cowal underground gold mine 350km west of Sydney has a TARP in place that specifically outlines the mine’s response plan should oncoming storms impact operations.
This includes four distinct levels of required action that range from alerting workers and increasing inspections to a complete shutdown and barricading of affected areas.
Queensland and Northern Territory regulators have also issued warnings as storm season approaches, with Resources Health and Safety Queensland urging miners to “get ready now”.
Bravus Mining and Resources’ Abbot Point operations (APO) are already ahead of the curve, having kicked off preparations to ensure the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) is ready for the weather ahead.
“The wet season is part and parcel of living in North Queensland and while we’re all old hands at the process, the risk of cyclones is never something to be complacent about,” APO general manager Damien Dederer said.
“Similar to the prep we encourage each of the nearly 400 men and women who work at the Terminal to do at home, we make sure our emergency response processes are up to date, our site is clear of debris, and that we can safely and quickly store equipment away or lock down our infrastructure.”
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