Coal worker dies in central Queensland mine incident

A worker has died in a coal mine accident in central Queensland, with another mine worker later taken to hospital following a separate accident.

SIX people have died at Queensland coal mines and quarries in 12 months prompting the State Government to call for action.

A 27-year-old man was killed at the Baralaba North Coal Mine Queensland at the weekend.

It’s not known how the man died, however in a statement contractor Golding said the “experienced mining operator” was “fatally injured” in an accident.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 2am on Sunday morning.

He’d worked at the mine since December 2018 and had previously worked with Golding at another site.

Miner’s death takes toll to six

Hours later, in a separate accident, a 57-year-old man was seriously injured after falling about 10 metres from a platform at Glencore’s Collinsville Coal Mine - about 80km west of Proserpine.

The man suffered suspected back and pelvic injuries when he fell in the coal washery area just before 8am.

He was taken to Collinsville Hospital before being transported to Townsville Hospital.

He remains in a serious but stable condition.

The accidents come less than two weeks after the death of Mackay father David Routledge at the Middlemount Coal mine in central Queensland.

The Baralaba North Coal Mine, west of Gladstone. Pictures Cockatoo Mines

Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said he was extremely distressed and concerned there had been six deaths in 12 months.

“I will be following up on discussions held last week by meeting with representatives of the mining industry, including the Queensland Resources Council, CFMEU and AWU and my Department, as a matter of urgency,” he said.

“I will be making it absolutely clear that this situation is unacceptable and requires action.

“I will make further announcements on what action will be taken by this government after I have considered all the relevant information and outcomes from the meeting.

“I offer my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.”

The Collinsville Coal Mine.

In a statement, Golding said all operations at the Baralaba mine had ceased until further notice.

“Golding sincerely regrets to advise that there has been an accident early this morning that fatally injured one of our staff at the Baralaba North Coal Mine located in the Bowen Basin, Queensland.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the family and work mates of the deceased.

“We are working closely with the Police and the Inspectorate and will provide a further update when possible.”

All operations at the mine have stopped until further notice.

Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said he was extremely distressed and concerned there had been six deaths in 12 months. Picture: Brendan Radke

The company is working closely with police, with the Mines Inspectorae conducting a full investigation.

In its statement, Glencore said its focus was on the care and welfare of its employee and was offering support for family and colleagues.

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the body was deeply saddened by the death and injury.

“QRC meets regularly with the Government and with unions on matters including safety,” he said.

“We have redoubled that communication since the tragedy at the Middlemount mine, including discussions last week with both Minister Lynham and the CFMEU.

“QRC will again meet with the Government, unions and workers this week on further actions that can be taken to increase safety across the industry.”

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said there would need to be a thorough investigation.

Mackay man David Routledge died when a wall collapsed while he was operating a digger at the Middlemount open-cut coal mine, north-west of Rockhampton. Picture: Facebook

Worker injured in coal mine fall

In a separate mining accident later this morning, a man was seriously injured after falling about 10 metres from a platform at a mine in North Queensland.

The incident happened just before 8am at Glencore’s Collinsville Coal Mine, about 80km west of Proserpine.

The 57-year-old man suffered suspected back and pelvic injuries when he fell in the coal washery area.

He was taken to Collinsville Hospital before being transported to Townsville Hospital.

He remains in a serious but stable condition.

Glencore said the Mines Inspectorate has been notified.

“Our focus is on the care and welfare of our employee and we are putting in place support for the family and his work colleagues,” the company said in a statement.

The accidents come a week after the death of Mackay father David Routledge, at the

Middlemount Coal mine in Central Queensland.

It was the third mine related death in 2019.