Queensland mines will receive a safety boost with the appointment of seven new mine inspectors across the State.
Mines Minister, Stephen Robertson, says the new workers will improve the capacity of the Queensland Mines Inspectorate and help the Australian mining industry maintain its strong international reputation for high safety standards.
The move follows a number of safety incidents and fatalities across Australia in recent weeks, forcing the closure of mines in Western Australia and New South Wales.
“Those tragedies only serve to remind us the importance of never taking our foot off the pedal when it comes to doing whatever we can to ensure our mining environments are the safety possible environments for mine workers,” Robertson said.
The intake includes new coal inspectors in Rockhampton, Mackay and Brisbane, as well as a new metalliferous inspector in Mt Isa.
“This is an integral part of the mine industry’s drive towards zero harm,” he said.
The new positions will bring the number of inspectors to 45 within Queensland, including 21 in central Queensland.