Acting Minister for Mines, Mark Ryan has announced four new mines inspectors, with a combined 122 years of mining experience between them, are set to start work at regional mining centres across the State.
The recruits boost the ranks of the State’s Coal and Metalliferous Mine and Quarry Inspectors to 46.
“The safety and the health of our 70,000 resource workers are paramount and our mine inspectors need to be close to where the mines are,” Mr Ryan said.
“Two out of three of our inspectors are in regional Queensland because that’s where most of the mines are.”
He said the new inspectors came with strong mining engineer credentials.
“Our resources industry is world-class and this demands strong, contemporary skills from our inspectors to work with industry and workers to enhance safety,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the inspectors were due to begin their roles in the coming fortnight, with two starting at Rockhampton, one in Mackay and one in Mt Isa.
Mr Ryan said the new inspectors joined a team of mines inspectors servicing mines and quarries from Cape York in Far North Queensland to the south-east corner and west to the Northern Territory border.
“Having most of our inspectors in the regions gives workers and the industry more efficient access to our inspectors and more inspectors to help keep our mine and quarry works safe,” he said.
