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WA and Qld mine accidents under investigation

Underground Grader

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate and Resources and Safety Queensland are investigating Gregory Crinum coal mine in central Queensland following an incident involving two underground miners.

The operation was due to begin ramping up to peak production from late-2021, but a restart date is now unclear after the incident caused one loss of life and one serious injury.

The coal mine had been progressing through re-establishment after Mastermyne was handed a $660 million mining services contract from mine owner Sojitz Blue in May 2021.

Mastermyne managing director Tony Caruso extended his condolences to those affected by the incident.

“This is a tragic event, and our immediate thoughts are with the family, friends and workmates of our employee,” Caruso said.

Mastermyne has already begun to scrutinise the cause of the event and will inform the public as new details come to light.

“The safety and wellbeing of our staff is one of our core values. The cause of the incident will be thoroughly investigated, and we will continue to support the family and our work colleagues,” Caruso said.

Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart acknowledged emergency services personnel for their swift response to the incident.

“I would like to recognise the professionalism of first responders, including those from the Queensland Mines Rescue Service and our emergency services,” he said.

“Three people from the Queensland Mines Inspectorate are on site and have begun their investigation into the nature and cause of the incident.

“Any loss of life on our mine sites is unacceptable, and it is my expectation the Queensland Mines Inspectorate and Resources Safety and Health Queensland will investigate this incident thoroughly and with diligence.”

Western Australia Police and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety are also investigating an incident at the Sino Iron mine site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The Sino Iron site is operated by CITIC Pacific Mining which confirmed in a statement that a worker had died following a fall at the site on Friday.

“We’re currently directing our efforts to helping those affected at site, including provision of counselling, and managing the incident under the guidance of relevant authorities,” the company stated.

“The incident will be fully investigated by WA Police and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

“We extend our deep condolences to the man’s family and workmates and will work closely with investigators to determine the cause of this tragedy.”

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