Mining company, Minjar Gold Pty Ltd, has been fined $35,500 and ordered to pay $10,000 in costs following a dangerous incident in October 2018. An integrated tool carrier and blast truck fell into a 13-metre deep sinkhole, which had formed due to ground subsidence in the floor of an open-cut gold pit. Fortunately, no one was injured, but four workers had been in the area just moments before, and several charged blast holes were also engulfed by the sinkhole.
Investigations revealed that the mining operators had not treated backfilled underground workings as a void, which meant that work was carried out above an area of unknown stability.
Acting WorkSafe Chief Inspector Mines, Christina Folley said Minjar Gold should not have allowed workers and plant to operate in the pit.
“The workers in the area shortly before the incident were lucky to escape and this incident could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life,” Ms Folley said.
“While the company had identified the stope void as a risk, it did not implement the recommended controls.
She added that geotechnical hazards were well-recognized in the mining industry, and mine operators must monitor and record any changes in underground conditions.
Underground voids are a serious hazard in the mining industry and can put workers at risk. Mine operators must make sure that all underground workings near active work areas are clearly marked on plans to ensure the safety of workers. In the case of Minjar Gold, the company should have implemented safe working practices that took into account the possibility of voids, rather than assuming that all stopes were tightly filled. It’s crucial for mining companies to prioritize the safety of their workers and consistently evaluate risks associated with mining operations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.