The Caves community mourns the death of Clark Peadon

The Caves community near Rockhampton is mourning the death of Clark Peadon who died in a tragic dragline incident at Curragh mine.

The Caves community is mourning the death of Clark Peadon, 54, who was a father, loving husband, rural firey and experienced dragline operator after he was killed in a tragic dragline incident at Curragh mine.

Tributes have been flowing for Mr Peadon who was fatally crushed by a dragline while working at the site, north of Blackwater, on November 21, 2021 at 12.43am.

Mr Peadon was a long-term resident of The Caves, north of Rockhampton, where he lived with his wife Susan.

Mr Peadon was an experienced dragline operator who had worked at Curragh mine, now operated by Coronado Global Resources, since 2006.

He was also a father and member of The Caves Rural Fire Brigade, which he had volunteered for about 16 years.

All work at Curragh mine has ceased with police, mine inspectors and union representatives investigating the tragedy.

The Mining and Energy Union has paid tribute to Mr Peadon.

“Our hearts are broken. RIP Clark.”

The incident follows a fatality at Sojitz Gregory Crinum mine, north of Emerald, in September.

Graham Dawson, 60, died after he was trapped under a partial roof collapse about midnight on September 14.

Graham Dawson died in a workplace accident at Sojitz Gregory Crinum mine in September.

Mr Peadon’s death is the second fatality at Curragh mine in the past two years.

On January 12, 2020 Donald Rabbitt, 33, was crushed to death under heavy machinery.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland president Stephen Smyth said the incident was under investigation and that it was too early to determine the contributing factors.

Mr Smyth said the union had provided Mr Peadon’s family and friends with support.

Donald Rabbitt was killed while working at Curragh coal mine in January 2020. Picture: Contributed

Citadel-MAGNUS founding partner Helen McCombie, for Coronado, said it was too early to say when operations would recommence.

“A full investigation is being conducted into the accident and Coronado is working with the Queensland Police, the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and other authorities,” Ms McCombie said.

She said Mr Peadon was a “highly respected member” of the Curragh team and that the company was focused on supporting his family and workers at Curragh mine and counselling services were being made available.

“Our thoughts are with Clark’s family, friends and co-workers and with everyone impacted by this tragic loss,” she said.

Clark Peadon (far left) was part of The Caves Rural Fire Brigade. Picture: Allan Reinikka

Minerals Council of Australia CEO Tania Constable extended her sincere condolences to Mr Peadon’s family, friends and colleagues.

“The Australian minerals industry’s highest value and priority is the safety and health of its workforce, where everyone who goes to work returns home safe and healthy,” Ms Constable said.

“The minerals industry is working hard to eliminate fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses.”

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry shared her sentiments.

“Absolutely devastating news. My condolences are to all involved,” Ms Landry said.

Draglines at the Curragh coal mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin. FILE PHOTO

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the incident was “a terrible tragedy”.

“Mining is dangerous work and I want to see the proper health and safety investigations into this worker’s death occur ASAP,” Ms Lauga said.

“There is clearly a problem in the industry when two mine workers have lost their lives at this mine in the last two years.

“My thoughts are with this worker’s family, friends and colleagues and all of the first responders at the site.”

Queensland Senator Murray Watt said the tragedy was another reminder that mine safety is a serious, ongoing issue.

“Thinking of the workers, their families and their union comrades,” Mr Watt said.