ENVIRONMENT

Fatality at Carborough Downs

The resources industry would work with the QMI and other authorities on the investigation.

 Fitzroy Resources' Carborough Downs mine in Queensland.

Fitzroy Resources' Carborough Downs mine in Queensland.

The tragedy comes just months after an industrywide "safety reset" that sought to stem the tide of mine site fatalities in the state.

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate said it was notified of an incident on the evening of November 25, which resulted in the death of a mine worker at Carborough Downs.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the worker, colleagues, and the local community," it said.

"Mines inspectors are onsite and have commenced their investigation into the nature and cause of the incident."

Fitzroy Australia Resources CEO Grant Polwarth said support was being offered to the worker's family.

"We are deeply saddened by this news and Fitzroy extends our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the worker," he said in a statement.

The deceased, who is believed to be 57-year-old and from Ipswich, is a long-term employee of Fitzroy Australia Resources.

The police and relevant authorities have been notified and have started investigations into the cause of the accident, with the full cooperation of Fitzroy Australia Resources.

All operations on the site have been suspended until further notice.

Polwarth said the employee's family had been notified of the incident and the company's primary focus was on providing the family with all necessary support and assistance.

Mineworkers are being progressively briefed on the incident as they arrive on-site to start their shifts and the company has made counselling services available to these workers.

"Our thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by this tragedy," Polwarth said.

"Our thoughts are with the worker's family and friends and the entire community which will be affected by this tragedy."

Queensland Resources Council CEO Ian Macfarlane said the resources industry would work with the Queensland Mines Inspectorate and other authorities on the investigation into the circumstances of this tragic event.

Union safety inspectors are on site at Carborough Downs and will conduct their own investigation, according to Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union mining and energy Queensland president Stephen Smyth.

"We are devastated that another coal miner has not made it home to his family at the end of his shift," he said.

"On behalf of the union, we extend our sincere condolences to loved ones and workmates."

Smyth said 2019 had been a horror year for workplace deaths in the mining industry.

"We will make sure no stone is left unturned in understanding what has occurred and how we can stop this happening again," he said.

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