A former coal miner-turned-senior mine safety executive will join the Queensland board of inquiry investigating recent methane gas incidents in the State’s underground coal mines.
Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Andrew Clough would join retired District Court Judge Terry Martin SC as a board member.
Mr Clough is replacing Professor Andrew Hopkins AO from the Australian National University, who has recused himself from the board.
“Mr Clough brings extensive international and local experience in metalliferous and coal mines, underground and open cut, to the board,” Dr Lynham said.
“He joined the resources sector 40 years ago as a coal miner and has worked in Africa and Papua New Guinea as well Tasmania, New South Wales and, most recently, Queensland.
“Mr Clough’s experience also includes serving as Chief Inspector of Mines.”
Dr Lynham said Mr Clough had been working with the inquiry as a technical expert, allowing a smooth transition to the board.
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The Board of Inquiry is inquiring into the serious accident at Grosvenor Mine, near Moranbah in May as well as 40 high potential incidents involving methane exceedances between 1 July 2019 and 5 May 2020.
The Queensland Board of Inquiry is to report by 30 November and make recommendations for improving safety and health practices and procedures to mitigate against the risk of these incidents happening.
For more information visit coalminesinquiry.qld.gov.au/
