The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) “will leave no stone unturned” in uncovering what has gone wrong following a worker being killed and another injured at Glencore’s (LSE:GLEN) Oaky North mine near Tieri in Central Queensland.
The MEU understands that the two contractors were working on the surface preparing for an underground maintenance job when the tragedy occurred on Wednesday.
At this early stage of the investigation it appears that a failure of equipment resulted in the workers being struck, resulting in fatal injuries for one worker and serious injuries for the other, an MEU statement says.
MEU Industry Safety and Health Representatives (ISHRs) have attended the site to conduct investigations.
MEU Queensland District President Mitch Hughes says the news would devastate workers across the industry, still reeling from recent fatalities at Byerwen mine.
“We’ve had a shocking run of deaths and injuries in the Queensland coal industry and unfortunately, we are seeing some patterns in the kind of work being performed when things go wrong,” Hughes says.
“But we will also be pushing for an industry-wide examination of work practices, especially involving contractors and maintenance tasks, who are sadly over-represented in serious workplace accidents. Something in this area of our industry is not working and not protecting our contract coal miners.
“We need to look broadly at training, supervision, systems and workplace culture. We extend our heartfelt condolences to families, friends and workmates of the deceased mineworker; and pray for a full recovery for the injured mineworker.”
The Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable says it the MCA is deeply saddened by the fatality, as well as the injury of another worker who was airlifted to hospital for treatment.
“Safety and health remain the highest priorities for our industry. One fatality is one too many, and any loss of life or injury is a stark reminder of the critical importance of our ongoing efforts to ensure every worker returns home safe, free from harm or injury,” she says.
Ian Cribb, CEO of Glencore’s coal business in Australia, says the fatality and injury is “devastating for our entire Oaky Creek workforce, and we are providing support services and counselling”.
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 22 active mining operations. The company also operates metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.
It is among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
Glencore employs 17,460 people in Australia and last year contributed almost $23.5 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $12.9 billion with 7,000 businesses across the country, as well as $8.2 billion in government tax and royalty payments, according to the company’s website.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Glencore
