Middlemount Coal has confirmed in a statement that the digger operator involved in today’s incident has been found deceased.
Statement from Gerrie Jordaan, CEO Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd.
It is with great sadness that Middlemount Coal regrets to advise of the loss of one of its valuable team members in a mine site incident this afternoon.
The details of the incident are now the subject of a full investigation to which Middlemount Coal will offer its full cooperation.
We are working closely with emergency services and relevant authorities on this incident.
Operations at Middlemount Mine have been suspended until further notice.
The welfare of the family of the deceased and the safety of our people are our highest priorities.
We extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends at this time and we have offered the company’s full support to them to deal with their devastating loss.
We are deeply saddened by this news and will provide more information as it is available.
A comprehensive investigation will determine the cause of death of the operator. It is expected an inquiry may be undertaken by the Coroner’s office together with the Queensland Police and the Queensland Department of Natural Resources & Mines.
It is unclear at this point why the incident occurred.
It is likely a fund will be established over the next few days to support the family. AMSJ will post details when this information becomes available through social media and/or on this website.
The mine is jointly owned by Peabody Energy and Yancoal. It is located on the Dysart Middlemount Road at Middlemount approximately 90 kilometres north-east of Emerald and some 7 kilometres west of the township of Middlemount in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. See Google Map Link
Read more Mining Safety News
Add Comment