One dead, one seriously injured in Oaky Creek Coal Mine accident

Loved ones of a miner killed in a work incident in Central Queensland are reeling in the wake of the tragedy, the latest in a series of incidents plaguing Queensland mines in 2024.

Oaky Creek mine operations.

Suspensions at a Bowen Basin mine remain in place following the death of Frank Thomas, the latest in a series of incidents plaguing Queensland mines in 2024.

The 51 year old was one of two men carrying out maintenance works involving a conveyor belt at Glencore’s Oaky Creek Coal Mine on October 2 when a cable snapped and struck them about 4.34pm.

Tragically Mr Thomas was killed.

As a result operations at the mine were suspended and Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating.

RSHQ chief executive officer Rob Djukic said investigations were ongoing with Serious Incident Investigation Unit inspectors back onsite this week gathering more evidence.

The scene has been isolated since the incident scene as part of the RSHQ investigation.

On Wednesday the incident scene was released to Glencore but all operations involving lifting, slinging and towing remained suspended under the RSHQ directive, Mr Djukic said.

“The suspension for those operations will remain in place until the mine operator can demonstrate to RSHQ that it can do those activities at an acceptable level of risk,” he said.

As a result of the incident a man in his 20s was flown to Rockhampton hospital by rescue helicopter with life-threatening injuries, including a head injury and multiple fractures and was on Friday in a stable condition.

Frank Thomas, 51, tragically died in a workplace incident at Oaky Creek Mine on October 2, 2024. Picture supplied by family

Glencore on Thursday morning confirmed operations at the mine have been suspended.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to both workers’ families, friends and colleagues”, said Ian Cribb, CEO of Glencore’s coal business in Australia.

“This is devastating for our entire Oaky Creek workforce, and we are providing support services and counselling.”

Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart has also weighed offering condolences.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death of a worker at the Oaky Creek coal mining complex as well as another person who was severely injured,” Mr Stewart said.

“My heartfelt condolences are with the man’s family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible event.”

A RSHQ spokeswoman late Thursday said it was too early to detail what had happened, “but we are investigating”.

Oaky Creek Coal is located between the towns of Tieri and Middlemount in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, about 90 kilometres northwest of Emerald.

John Linwood has been identified as the 56-year-old McMahon contractor killed at QCoal's Byerwen Mine near Glenden on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

There have been a significant number of incidents in Queensland’s mines in 2024.

On September 14 a 32-year-old man was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after he suffered crush injuries at Broadmeadow mine after he was impacted by an object.

Days later on September 17, 18-year-old Moorvale tyre fitter Ethan Avenell suffered a serious broken ankle, breaks to his arm and a gash on the back of his head after the bead seat band of a mine truck rim, weighing about 200kg, landed on him.

Chris Schloss, who died in a workplace incident at QCoal's Byerwen workers accommodation camp at Suttor, was part of the Tell Them Where To Go campaign fighting against legislation mandating QCoal relocate its workers accommodation to Glenden. Picture: QCoal

On August 22 Bundaberg grandfather John Linwood died when the light vehicle he was driving and a large haul truck collided at the open cut mine about 1pm at Byerwen mine at Glenden.

The 56-year-old Macmahon contractor was the only occupant in the vehicle when the tragedy occurred.

Luke O'Brien tragically died after he was pinned between a ute and B Double fuel tanker at Saraji mine on January 15, 2024. Picture: Facebook

The loaded haul truck had been ascending the ramp leading out of the pit at low speed when the light vehicle approached from behind and ran into the rear of the larger vehicle and became wedged underneath. Mr Linwood tragically died at the scene.

Barely three weeks earlier, also at Byerwen, long-term worker Chris Schloss lost his life on August 3. He suffered fatal injuries after he was struck by a crane.

And in January this year a worker died after suffering crush injuries at a BMA site.

Mackay man and racing enthusiast Luke O’Brien, 27, was fatally injured after being pinned between two vehicles in the fuel-bar area at Saraji mine at Dysart on January 15.

Originally published as One dead, one seriously injured in Oaky Creek Coal Mine accident