The Queensland Resources Regulator (RSHQ) is urging mines and quarries in southeast Queensland to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred before it makes landfall.
RSHQ chief inspector of mineral mines and quarries Hermann Fasching said sites need to manage several risks when it comes to cyclones, including misfires, flying hazards and lightning strikes.
“Sites need to make sure there are no structures that can become mid-air weapons during cyclonic winds,” Fasching said.
“They also need to pay careful attention to explosives because there’s an increased tendency for fume events and potential misfires in wet weather.”
RSHQ recommends that mines have an adequate emergency response and rescue system in place in case a severe weather event causes injury, entrapment or damage to buildings or infrastructure.
“You’d prepare your home for a cyclone, so make sure you prepare your site too,” Fasching said.
The RSHQ recommends each site have:
- a process for identifying and warning anyone who could be affected by severe weather events
- a system for moving people to a place of safety including considerations for evacuation of people off site
- timely actions to bring risk into acceptable limits.
The comments from the RSHQ mirror previous concerns from the Western Australian mining community, who faced Tropical Cyclone Zelia in early February.
As of Sunday February 16, Rio Tinto reported that its port, rail and mine operations had resumed following Tropical Cyclone Zelia passing over the region.
The major confirmed all of its people remain safe and unharmed, with mines now back in operation and ship loading resuming at Cape Lambert and Dampier Ports.
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