The Miners Memorial Day fell on the anniversary of the worst mining disaster in Queensland’s history.

On September 19, 1921, 75 miners lost their lives in a coal dust explosion at Mount Mulligan in north Queensland.

“Their deaths are a sad part of our collective history and the history of workers, their struggle and sadly the ultimate sacrifice of workers should never be forgotten,” Queensland Acting Premier Paul Lucas said.

“And while we enjoy the benefits of the resources boom, we should reflect on how we got here today and at what price – that’s what Miners Memorial Day is all about.”

Other mine incidents which claimed lives and were remembered took place at Box Flat, Kianga, Collinsville and Moura.

Lucas was joined by representatives from the Queensland Resources Council, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, and the Australian Workers’ Union, as well as Mines Minister Geoff Wilson, retired miners and their families in a service led by Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby.

Minesites across Queensland held a minute’s silence for their comrades.

Wilson used the day to ram home the importance of safety on minesites.

“The highest safety standards must continue to be enforced – mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker,” Wilson said.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and health of the men and women who work in Queensland’s mines."