Queenstown cooper company plead not guilty to death of miner in mud rush

A MINING company has pleaded not guilty to a workplace safety charge in relation to the death of a worker in a mud rush at its Queenstown copper operation in January, 2014.

The family of Michael Welsh, who died in a mud rush at a Queenstown copper mine in 2014, leave the Burnie Court in distress. Picture: CHRIS KIDD.

A MINING company has pleaded not guilty to a workplace safety charge in relation to the death of a worker in a mud rush at its Queenstown copper operation in January, 2014.

The family of Michael Welsh left the Burnie Magistrates Court in tears this morning as Copper Mines of Tasmania, which operates the Mt Lyell operation, entered its plea.

Former mine manager Gerard (Scot) Clyde also entered a not guilty plea to a charge of failing to comply with the duties of a site officer.

Michael Welsh, 53, was killed after being caught up in a mud rush on the lowest level of the mine on January 16.

He was a fourth-generation West Coast resident.

A CMT spokesman said the company regretted the tragic incident that resulted in the death of a workmate.

“As the matter is now before the court, it would be inappropriate to comment further.” the company said.

CMT has already pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to maintain a safe workplace in relation to the deaths of two other workers in the mine in December, 2013.

Alistair Lucas and Craig Gleeson fell to their deaths after a temporary platform they were working from collapsed.

Sentencing hearing on that charge is currently underway in the Burnie Magistrates Court.

Originally published as Queenstown cooper company plead not guilty to death of miner in mud rush