Byerwen mine: QCoal workers told to return to site after second fatality despite regulatory approval pending
Workers have been told to return to a central Queensland mine as more details emerged about the second fatality in weeks at the site.
Operations at Byerwen coal mine at Suttor, west of Mackay, were suspended after a worker died when a haul truck and light vehicle collided on August 22.
It marked the second fatality at the Bowen Basin site this month following the death of 48-year-old Chris Schloss about three weeks ago.
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“Macmahon continues to fully cooperate with all relevant authorities and their investigations to understand what had occurred in more detail,” a statement said.
“Based on current information, Macmahon understands the loaded dump truck was ascending the ramp leading out of the pit at low speed when the when the light vehicle approached from behind and ran into the rear of the dump truck.”
Macmahon said workers had been told to return to the mine on Wednesday but it was still waiting on regulatory approval to recommence operations.
Mine owners - Brisbane-based QCoal in a joint venture with Japan’s JFE Steel - opted to suspend operations at the mine, with police handing over the site to the industry regulator’s inspectors.’
Industry regulator Resources Safety and Health Queensland said it took the “extra step” to suspend the use of heavy vehicles at the mine.
The directive is still in place and the investigation is ongoing.
Mining and Energy Union said workers were still coming to terms with Mr Schloss’ death and were “traumatised” by the latest incident.
Macmahon said it was providing necessary assistance and support to all personnel involved including the dump truck operator.
“This is a tragic and sad incident which has impacted our whole team,” Macmahon managing director and CEO Michael Finnegan said in a statement.
“We continue to support our people, especially friends and family of our deceased colleague, as well as the dump truck operator.”
Macmahon has been awarded the mining contract at Byerwen since it was established in 2017.
