Hundreds of people have gathered to honour the lives of more than 1470 workers killed during three centuries of mining in Queensland.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said he was pleased to join families, mining industry and union representatives in Townsville for the annual Queensland Miners Memorial Day Service.
“Miners Memorial Day is a very special and important day on the mining industry calendar in Queensland,” Mr Cripps said.
“Every year on 19 September we hold a memorial service to commemorate those workers who lost their lives in accidents since the start of mining in Queensland during the 1800s.
“In particular, we remember the 75 miners lost in Queensland’s worst mining disaster which occurred at the Mount Mulligan coal mine in far north Queensland on 19 September 1921.
“We also pay tribute to those Queenslanders who lost their lives in other mine accidents, including the most recent fatality in north Queensland which occurred on 26 August 2012 at the Mount Moss iron ore mine, 150 km north west of Townsville.
“For mine workers, families and friends today is about gathering to remember those who have contributed so much to Queensland’s growth and prosperity.”
Mr Cripps said it was appropriate to hold the 6th annual Miners Memorial Day Service in Townsville due to the long history of mining in North Queensland.
“Historically, the regions surrounding Townsville are renowned for their rich gold mining towns,” he said.
“The area became a world class mining district and Australia’s richest major goldfield by the accidental find of gold at Charters Towers on Christmas Eve 1871.”
Mr Cripps said although Queensland has one of the safest mining industries in the world, there was always room for improvement.
“We need to ensure we continue to review our procedures so we can best protect our mine workers from the hazards associated with the mining industry,” he said.
“As a result, we are delivering reforms to further enhance Queensland’s mine safety framework.”
More information about Queensland Miners Memorial Day 2013 is available at: www.mines.industry.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health/memorial-day-service.htm
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