The directive was put in place after two separate reported fume events at the two mines on Sunday March 6.

Chief inspector of coal mines Gavin Taylor said the Mackay district mines inspector had visited the two mines to review procedures.

“Following a thorough review of the two mines’ procedures, the inspector was satisfied that the risk from shot firing was at acceptable levels and the directive has been removed,” he said.

“However, investigations into the two reported fume incidents continue.”

Taylor and the chief inspector of explosives will later this week convene a meeting of coal industry representatives, unions and explosives suppliers to discuss the issue of fume emissions in a broader coal industry context.

One of the aims of this meeting is to form a steering group to formulate new shot-firing guidelines to be utilised by the whole industry.

The Queensland government Explosives Inspectorate has also issued Safety Alert 44 to all mines engaged in open cut blasting operations and explosives suppliers, outlining measures to be taken to prevent and manage post-blast fume events.

A BMA spokesperson confirmed to ILN that incidents had occurred at the Saraji and Peak Downs mines on March 6 where a number of employees reported that they may have been exposed to post-blast fumes after overburden blasts.

“A number of employees from the Saraji mine were admitted to hospital for observation and have now been released. No Peak Downs employees were admitted to hospital,” the spokesperson said.

“BMA will conduct internal investigations into both incidents.”