In 1994, 11 miners lost their lives in a mine explosion at the Moura coal mine.

Wilson told delegates at the 19th annual Mining Safety and Health conference in Townsville that 13 years on, the industry has achieved major improvements to mine safety in Queensland and developed the best mine safety and health legislation available.

“But it must be continued to be enforced on the ground – mine by mine, employer by employer, worker by worker," he said.

Wilson said the future of the mining industry would be supported by a revamped Queensland Mines Inspectorate.

“The inspectorate is undergoing a substantial restructure. It's being revitalised," he said.

Two senior inspector positions have been taken out of head office and transferred to the regions, while five occupational health and safety officers have been appointed in the regions.

Wilson said positions were being advertised nationally to bring on the next generation of mines inspectors, who will have the backing of better training and remuneration.

“We want to attract and retain the best inspectors and safety and health specialists so that the inspectorate reflects a new modern era of mining," he said.

“The deaths of those 11 miners are a tragic part of our history. And the history of workers, their struggle, and the ultimate sacrifice of workers should never be forgotten.”