As coal production begins again at Anglo American’s Grosvenor mine almost two years after a methane explosion left five miners with horrific burns the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) says all Queensland mine workers’ thoughts are with those injured in the disaster.
As the regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), allows operations to recommence the mine operator must ensure coal production at the notoriously gassy mine is never again put ahead of safety.
An inquiry recently heard 14 potential incidents of methane exceedance were recorded at longwall 104, where the explosion occurred, in the eight weeks leading up the May 2020 explosion.
It found the mine’s gas drainage systems could not cope with the rate of production.
The inquiry also heard if coal workers reported unsafe work practices, they could lose money under so-called ‘safety penalties’ or even be sacked – completely legally.
Workers at the mine aren’t directly employed in permanent jobs by Anglo American like workers at other Anglo American mines, but by labour hire company One Key, which means they have fewer rights and can be sacked more easily.
“The labour hire arrangements at Grosvenor are at the root of the safety issues, Anglo needs to employ their workers directly in permanent jobs,” says Stephen Smyth, Queensland District President of the Mining and Energy Union.
“We welcome RSHQ decision to allow the mine to reopen, but significant trust issues remain and we call on Anglo American and One Key to support the workforce and be transparent about all issues.
“Since the incident the workers have formed a union lodge which means they will have a stronger unified voice when it comes to safety, rostering, pay and other issues.
“We are so proud of their resilience and strength; they won’t be taking a backward step on safety.
“Union safety inspectors will be keeping a close eye on operations, and we call on the regulator to keep a close eye as well.
“Anglo American and One Key have a history of putting production before safety, this must stop.
“Anglo American and One Key were warned many times about safety issues at the mine, they need to start listening.
“It’s so important to the workers, their families, and coal workers all over Queensland we don’t see a repeat of the catastrophic explosion of May 2020.
‘I note the RSHQ’s investigation of the incident was also referred to the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor for consideration of potential charges, the union is hoping those responsible for the explosion feel the full force of the law.”
