Operations at a central Queensland coal mine have been halted following a second fatality in weeks that raised safety concerns.
The use of heavy vehicles at the Byerwen site at Suttor, west of Mackay, has been suspended as authorities investigate the latest tragedy.
The local community is in shock after a person was killed in a collision between a haul truck and a light vehicle at the mine on Aug. 22.
This is the second fatality at the Bowen Basin site this month, following the death of 48-year-old Chris Schloss less than three weeks ago.
The Mining and Energy Union stated that workers are still coming to terms with Schloss’ death and have been deeply affected by the incident on Aug. 22.
Following the tragic events, the mine owners decided to suspend operations and hand over the site to industry regulators on Aug. 23.
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Resources Safety and Health Queensland, the industry regulator, announced the suspension of heavy vehicle usage at the mine as a precautionary measure.
“We are not ruling out further actions, and our inspectors will continue to assess the site in the days ahead,” the statement read.
“The occurrence of a second fatality in less than a month at Byerwen is disheartening and concerning.
“We want to reassure affected workers, friends, and families that a thorough investigation is underway, and appropriate action will be taken.”
The Mining and Energy Union urged the mine owners to prove their ability to operate the site safely.
The mine is a joint venture between QCoal and JFE Steel.
“If QCoal cannot demonstrate safe operations, we believe their mining lease license should be revoked,” the union stated.
Additionally, the union called for QCoal to arrange for workers to return home and provide them with support, including full pay.
Since its establishment in 2017, Macmahon has held the mining contract at Byerwen.
The company activated the site’s emergency response team and made counseling services available to workers.
“Our priority is to offer support to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy. We are fully committed to a comprehensive investigation,” the company’s statement read.
Emergency services responded to the mine on Aug. 22 and discovered a deceased individual at the scene.
This marked the second fatality after Chris Schloss, a father of five, died on Aug. 3 in an incident involving a crane.
Kelly Vea Vea, the mayor of Isaac Regional Council, expressed condolences, saying, “For the second time in recent weeks, our hearts go out to the family of a worker tragically killed at the Byerwen Mine.
“Once again, we are reminded of the risks taken by workers in our region, and we stand together, united in our sadness.
“There will come a time for asking questions, but for now we grieve with the family, friends, and workmates.”
