Operations resume after workplace fatality shakes coal mine

November 2, 2021 Mining Editor

A mining services company restarted a Central Queensland coal operation months after a worker died.

Mastermyne Group confirmed surface work has recommenced at Sojitz Corporation’s Gregory Crinum mine, about 60km northeast of Emerald.

“Over the past three months we have safely remediated several similar localised falls in this area, with this being the last area to be repaired,” the contractor said in a public statement. “Access to both drifts is temporarily suspended pending the finalisation of investigations and completion of the safe reentry plan.”

The remarks came after one employee became fatally injured back in September 2021. Another worker was “safely extracted” from the mine and transported to hospital as a “precaution”. Counselling services were offered to all Mastermyne staff and others impacted.

The employer expects first coal to be delayed by about 12 weeks since operations were temporarily suspended pending an investigation.

“No changes [are] expected to the underground mine support plan or production methodology, as a consequence of the fall of ground in the drift,” the company said. “Fall of ground occurred [at] approximately 400 metres down the 800m-long conveyor drift, with the fallen ground contained to a very discrete area of the drifts.”

“Overhauls and surface work is continuing while we work with authorities towards the safe reentry of the mine,” the company added.

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