The NSW Resources Regulator has released preliminary information on the Liebherr 996 excavator fire that reportedly occurred at a Thiess operation approximately two weeks ago.
AMSJ has been informed that the excavator fire occurred at the Mount Arthur Coal mine and was being operated by Thiess at the time of the fire. We have sought comment from the Thiess media team however, they have failed to respond to requests for information this week.
The Regulator said that “A major fire occurred on an excavator. The machine had been back in service for one hour after maintenance. After the fire began, the suppression system activated and four water carts were used to control the fire. An internal fire continued, requiring the emergency response team to put out the fire. No injuries were reported.”
The mines inspectorate are currently investigating the incident.
The Regulator said “Mine operators must treat the recommissioning of equipment after maintenance as equally important as the planning and completing of the maintenance itself. An inspection of potential fuel sources in the machines, such as rags, should be carried out.”
Thiess won a $1.2 billion 5 years contract to extend the BHP Mt Arthur Coal operation near Muswellbrook last year.
A poor quality video has also emerged on social media of the incident.
NSW RR: Reference Dangerous incident | IncNot 0034122
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