Operations at a central Queensland coal mine have been suspended after a second fatality in weeks stoked safety concerns.
The use of heavy vehicles at the Byerwen site at Suttor, west of Mackay, has also been suspended amid an investigation into the latest tragedy.
The local community is reeling after a person died when a haul truck and light vehicle collided at the mine on Aug. 22.
It is the second fatality at the Bowen Basin site this month following the death of 48-year-old Chris Schloss less than three weeks ago.
Mining and Energy Union said workers were still coming to terms with Schloss’ death and had been “traumatised” by the incident on Aug. 22.
The mine owners opted to suspend operations at the mine, with police handing over the site to the industry regulator’s inspectors on Aug. 23.
Industry regulator Resources Safety and Health Queensland said it took the “extra step” to suspend the use of heavy vehicles at the mine.
“We haven’t ruled out further action so our inspectors will continue to assess the site in the coming days,” it said in a statement.
“It’s disheartening and concerning to see a second fatality in less than a month at Byerwen.
“We want to assure affected workers, friends and families that we are conducting a thorough investigation and are committed to taking appropriate action.”
The Mining and Energy Union called on the owners to demonstrate they could safely operate the site.
The mine is owned in a joint venture by QCoal and JFE Steel.
“As for QCoal’s future, unless they can demonstrate that they can operate safely, we believe that their licence for the mining lease should be removed,” the union said in a statement.
It also called for QCoal to organise for workers to return home and provide them support, including full pay.
Macmahon has been awarded the mining contract at Byerwen since it was established in 2017.
It said the site’s emergency response team had been activated and counselling for workers was available.
“Our focus is to provide support to family, friends and colleagues. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this incident,” a statement said.
Emergency services were called to the mine about 1pm on Aug. 22 where they found a person dead at the scene.
It marked the second fatality after father-of-five Schloss died on Aug. 3 in an incident involving a crane.
Isaac Regional Council mayor Kelly Vea Vea said: “For the second time in recent weeks, our hearts go out to the family of a worker tragically killed at the Byerwen Mine.
“Once again, we are reminded of the risks taken by workers in our region and we stand together, united in our sadness.
“There will come a time for asking questions, but for now we grieve with the family, friends, and workmates.”
