Black lung was last week was reported as being detected in three mine workers at other coal mines in the state.

Oaky North mine is one of two underground operations (Oaky North Mine & Oaky No.1) at Glencore’s Oaky Creek complex. Work at the Oaky No. 1 underground mine has continued without disruption, a spokesman for Glencore told International Coal News in a statement.

“Employees at Oaky North mine returned to work [on Thursday night] after workers raised concerns… about new cases of pneumoconiosis in Queensland underground mines,” he said.

“None of the reported cases of pneumoconiosis involve Glencore’s underground operations.

“The health and safety of our workforce has always been our top priority and we appreciate the concerns raised by employees about this issue.”

After spending time listening to its employees on Thursday, Glencore has undertaken to provide across the Oaky Creek complex chest X-rays for all employees who request them and a further review of all chest X-rays taken within the last six months.

All chest X-rays to be viewed and read by a qualified radiologist who is a member of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and has the necessary competencies.

Refresher training in dust and the correct use of personal protection equipment and education and training in relation to dust diseases (including pneumoconiosis) will also be implemented.

The Chief Inspector of Coal Mines in Queensland has confirmed that specialist radiologists in Queensland are trained to accurately read chest X-rays to the International Labour Organisation Standard Classification of Radiographs, and this has also been confirmed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

“Glencore will also continue to support and participate in research into best-practice industry dust control,” the spokesman said.