Inspected earlier this month by NSW Minister for Mineral Resources, Kerry Hickey, the Department of Primary Industries’ (Mineral Resources) Mine Safety Technology Centre at Thornton, near Maitland in the Hunter Valley, will offer mine operators, management, workers and students access to world-class facilities and leading safety experts.
“Mine accidents such as the Gretley tragedy cause untold pain and suffering to families, friends and workmates,” he said.
“In May, the Hunter lost another two young mine workers. Nothing can bring them back.
“What we can do is honour their memory by making our minesites better workplaces.
“Together with workers, unions and companies, we are working hard to prevent injuries, rather than learning painful lessons after tragedy strikes.”
Hickey said the state government had invested $21.5 million in the mine safety program since its establishment in 1998-99. “We accepted and implemented all recommendations of the Gretley Inquiry, the Mine Safety Review, which we initiated shortly before the tragedy,” he said.
“But there’s still more to do. This new facility has a big role to play.
“We’re centralising mine safety operations so our scientists, engineers and investigators operate under the one roof. They will share their expertise with their industry counterparts and assist a new generation of mining and electrical engineers with their studies.”
The new laboratory, staff, career and training opportunities will help make NSW mines safer for all workers. Key risk areas will be addressed through gas analysis, training, equipment testing and certification of emergency equipment such as breathing apparatus and gas monitoring systems.
The centre was purpose-designed to world’s best standards. It replaces the 28-year-old Lidcombe research facility, and will be staffed by around 15 specialist mine safety scientists, engineers and investigators. Together with Mineral Resources’ new head office on High Street, Maitland, the Mine Safety Technology Centre represents a $35 million state government investment.
“The relocation delivers immediate and lasting economic benefits to the Hunter,” Hickey said.
“The construction phase created about 150 jobs directly including subcontractors and suppliers and some 200 indirect jobs in the region.
“Long-term, we’re relocating 200 departmental jobs. That’s about $9 million a year in salaries alone.
“Even a conservative multiplier effect creates flow-on expenditure of between $15 million and $20 million a year, and an estimated additional 130 jobs in the retail, accommodation, transport and services sectors.”
Hickey said excellent training facilities were available at the new centre, with staff keen to share mine safety information with those involved in the industry. Mineral Resources was also working on strategic links with the University of Newcastle and local TAFE colleges to provide work experience and thesis assistance for electrical and mining engineering students.
Australia's Mining Monthly
