Clough, who held the chief inspector role for less than two years, said the decision was partly driven by personal reasons. Clough – who comes from a coal mining family – started his training and career around Wollongong and still has family in the Illawarra.
“I’ve been a GM for Peabody before,” he said.
“Peabody have been talking to me for a while but I’ve made the decision to start [with Peabody] in April.”
Clough was previously the general manager of Peabody’s North Goonyella coal mine in central Queensland.
His wide industry experience will mean he will be sorely missed at Queensland Mines Inspectorate.
Clough has also worked for Vale, BHP Billiton, and as a consultant before taking up the role as chief inspector at Queensland in 2013.
Until 2005 worked for the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines as a district inspector of mines based in Mackay.
