Worker dies in Queensland coal mine, another seriously injured

A man in his twenties was killed while working at Queensland coal mine and another was seriously injured at a separate site.

A 27-year-old man has died overnight while working at a coal mine in Queensland.

Police were called to the site west of Gladstone shortly after 2am and the State Government’s Mines Inspectorate has been at the scene since about 10am.

A spokesperson said it was too early to release information about the cause of the incident but the company contracted to the mine, Golding, released a statement confirming the death.

“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,” it said.

“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.”

A mines worker at the Baralaba North Coal mine just outside Baralaba was killed over the weekend. Pictures Cockatoo Mines

All operations at the coal mine was suspended until further notice.

Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham says the death and injury toll at state mines is unacceptable, with six mining and quarry worker deaths in the last 12 months.

“I am extremely distressed and concerned that there has been six mining and quarry worker deaths in the last 12 months,” Dr Lyneham says. “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 incident comes just a week after a Mackay father died at another mine. Pictures Cockatoo Mines

In a separate incident later on Sunday morning, a 57-year-old man had suspected back and pelvis injuries after an incident at Glencore’s Collinsville Coal Mine.

It’s believed the man fell in the coal washery area, The Courier Mail reported.

He was taken to Collinsville Hospital before then being transported to Townsville Hospital where he is 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 accident comes just a week after the death of Mackay father David Routledge at the Middlemount Coal mine in Central Queensland.

—with AAP

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