MANAGEMENT at Cadia Valley Operations say the collapse of up to 1500 tonnes of water, rock and drill cuttings in an underground tunnel was not the result of substandard safety practices.
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The fast moving torrent narrowly missed two loader operators working below the surface, while the force of the inrush was so intense it pushed an unmanned excavator at least 300 meters along an underground passage.
No one was injured during the incident, which took place at the Cadia East underground mine on Sunday, February 21.
The inrush event is the subject of a probe by NSW Industry and Investment’s investigation unit.
The unit conducts investigations into major accidents or incidents that could be related to mine safety.
Cadia Valley Operations general manager Craig Jones yesterday said safety “is and always has been the key priority for all of us”.
He was responding to claims from a Cadia Valley Operations employee that the inrush could have been prevented.
“This was a serious, serious incident and everyone out there knows it’s an absolute and utter miracle no one was killed,” the employee, who declined to be named, told the Central Western Daily.
Inrush events have the potential to seriously injure or kill miners.
Companies are expected to actively reduce the threat they pose to health and safety.
These include identifying the potential for inrush events and putting in place strategies and plans to identify the early warning signs of a looming incident, which can include changes in water levels, water quality and abnormal underground ceiling movements.
As the matter is under investigation, Mr Jones was unable to confirm if these procedures are in place at Cadia Valley Operations and, if so, whether they were followed.
However, risk assessments, safety analyses and safe work procedures form an integral part of any operations at the mine, Mr Jones said.
He also said staff were “fully cooperating” with NSW Industry and Investment investigators.
“We and our employees are fully committed to the safety of our people and to the continuous improvement of our safety systems,” Mr Jones said.
“Given the investigations are ongoing, it is not appropriate for us to comment on the specific incident or the investigations other than to emphasise that safety is, and always has been, the key priority for all of us.”
bevan.shields@ruralpress.com
