Moranbah North mine death: Gavin Feltwell honoured at memorial

A mining contractor killed in an underground incident is being remembered as a father figure and mentor, as the industry grapples with the latest tragedy and searches for answers.

Gavin Feltwell was a father figure and mentor to many, an experienced miner in an industry grappling with the latest tragedy and in search of answers.

Mr Feltwell, 59, will be remembered for more than his end, but rather as a dedicated dad and husband, workmate and mentor.

He died underground at Moranbah North mine when a four-tonne load shifted and fell while he was dismantling conveyor equipment about 10pm last Friday.

He suffered critical head injuries and died at the scene.

Mr Feltwell was a highly regarded worker and had worked as a contractor for Mastermyne for eight years. He was part of the belt crew.

In a touching social media post, Mr Feltwell’s son said the “world lost the greatest man” he ever knew.

“My father was an unending source of love and support, always pushing and helping for me to live the best life possible,” Daniel Feltwell wrote.

“He always kept those around him smiling with his wit and cheeky grin, whenever I was down he would help me see the way forward.

“Words don’t do justice to how much he meant to me and those around him, it still doesn’t feel real, we had so much planned to see and do in the future.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker leaves a wreath at the Moranbah Miners' Memorial in memory of Moranbah North miner Gavin Feltwell on March 26. Picture: Duncan Evans

“I promise I will see and do those things in your name Dad and continue to make you proud. Miss you so much mate, love you always.”

The Queensland coal inspectorate’s initial investigation findings found Mr Feltwell and crew was dismantling conveyor equipment.

“This required the movement of a suspended load, using block and tackle, lever hoist (cumalong) and slings,” the safety brief states.

The inspectorate said the suspended load shifted in an uncontrolled manner which was a key element to the ongoing investigating.

(From left to right) Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Committee members Andy Collins, Rob Grieve, Brody Brunker, Simon West, Scott Leggett, Kelly Vea Vea, Luke Reynolds, Pat Meldrum, Rory Bean and Daniel Vincent stand by the memorial in the twilight just before 6pm on March 26. Picture: Duncan Evans

Anglo American suspended operations across all sites in the wake of the tragedy for Stop for Safety sessions on Saturday.

Anglo American CEO Tyler Mitchelson said his team was devastated at the loss of one its colleagues.

“Our focus is on supporting our colleagues’ family and all those involved in the tragic incident,” he said.

“We have services on site to support our workforce at Moranbah North Mine.

“We have ceased mining activities at Moranbah North and will undertake a full investigation with relevant authorities so we can understand how this incident occurred.”

Moranbah miners paused for a minute’s silence in Mr Feltwell’s honour on Saturday night – a lamp lit to mark his death as colleagues grapple with another loss.

Moranbah Miners' Memorial secretary Andy Collins leaves a lit lamp in honour of Moranbah North miner Gavin Feltwell. Picture: Duncan Evans

His workmates and colleagues hugged and consoled one another as the day faded into night.

Mining and Energy Union Moranbah North lodge president Andy Collins said workmates “really respected” Mr Feltwell.

“He was an experienced coal miner, a father figure and mentor,” he said. “

“Everyone is shaken up.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said she was heartbroken.

“We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family, colleagues and our communities as we process this tragedy,” she said on Saturday. “Our hearts break all over again today. When times are tough, our community comes together to support each other.

“It’s what we do. It’s who we are as mining communities.”

Mr Feltwell’s death follows a string of tragedies at Central Queensland mine sites.

In November 2021, Clark Peadon died at the Curragh mine near Blackwater after he was crushed by a dragline.

Councillor Kelly Vea Vea (standing right) speaks to the gathered crowd at the Moranbah Miners' Memorial before marking one minute's silence in memory of Moranbah North miner Gavin Feltwell. Picture: Duncan Evans

In September 2021, Graham Dawson, 60, suffered critical injuries at Sojitz Gregory Crinum Mine when part of the roof dislodged and fell onto him.

Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Committee president Scott Leggett expressed anger at the state of health and safety across the coal mining industry.

“The anger is actually getting directed,” he said.

“Our politicians, RSHQ, the inspectors, you know, where are they?”

Mr Leggett said too many high-potential incidents, or incidents which could lead to an accident or fatality, were happening on site.

He said HPIs invariably built up to fatalities.

“HPIs are happening throughout this industry daily,” he said.

Mr Leggett said he believed safety failures were industry-wide.

“It’s a systemic problem and it’s getting worse every day,” he said.

“Our politicians have got to understand that there is a problem and then make some legislative changes that are actually going to stop the problem.”

Mr Leggett is an open-cut examiner with 30 years’ experience in mining and called on both the LNP and Labor parties to adequately address mine safety issues.

Correction: An earlier online version of this story incorrectly spelt Mr Feltwell’s surname as Feltwell. We apologise for the error.