The Victorian State Government is sending its Earth Resources Regulator to inspect sites in the Mitchell, Macedon Ranges, and Mount Alexander shires as a part of the government’s ongoing initiative to prevent operational risk.
Sites can expect inspections between 18 and 20 June, following success across the west and northwest mining sites.
Inspections are intended to gather understanding of how mine and quarry operators are currently managing workplace risks which will ensure operators are following work plan commitments, while also shaping future audits and inspections.
Operators will be reminded of workplace responsibilities and commitments, and will be required to address any poorly managed risks.
Acting Chief Inspector Rebecca Carlton says the regulators will be investigating site boundaries and extraction limits, as well as dust and noise management.
“Our inspectors will be reminding operators of their responsibilities and gathering information to guide future audits,” Carlton says.
“If required, we’ll take enforcement action to ensure behaviour is changed to protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and the environment.”
Worksafe Victoria reported an industry total of 1,991 incidents in mining operations for 2022 in its health and safety in mining, exploration, and extractive industries study, marking a decrease following 2020’s peak of 3,246 incidents.
The Minerals Council of Australia’s Economic Contribution Survey of Victorian mining companies highlights the total economic impact of the Victorian mineral sector at $1.1 billion in gross value across 2023 and 2024.
Using less than 0.2% of Victorian land, the mining sector contributed $569.1 million towards the state’s economy over this period.
There have been 4,707 workplace fatalities in Australia between 2003 and 2023. According to Safe Work Australia data, in 2024 168 workers were killed, which is down from the five-year average of 191.
As of 29 May, 43 people have been killed in the workplace with one fatality in mining. Last year Safe Work Australia recorded 11 fatalities in the mining sector.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: The Government of Victoria & Safe Work Australia
