Operations at a key mine in North West Queensland have recommenced after they were suspended due to a workplace accident.
Operations at a key mine in North West Queensland have recommenced after they were suspended due to a workplace accident.
Queensland Ambulance Service said a man in his 30s was initially entrapped in a truck after a crash that occurred underground at a mine site off Oorindi McKinlay Road near Cloncurry about 4pm on Saturday.
“The patient suffered a shoulder injury and was transported in a stable condition to Cloncurry Hospital.”
Resources Safety & Health Queensland confirmed on Sunday that it had been “made aware of an incident at Eloise Copper Mine”.
“Inspectors have attended the site and an investigation is underway,” a RSHQ spokeswoman said.
“A directive has been issued to suspend all underground operations at the mine until further notice.”
Eloise Copper Mine, which also produces silver, is about 60 kilometres southeast of Cloncurry.
It is owned and operated by AIC Mines Limited.
AIC Mines Managing Director Aaron Colleran confirmed there had been a “high potential incident” on Saturday.
He said an underground loader was preparing a stope area for backfilling.
“The loader drove beyond a safe operating area, lost control and became stuck,” he said.
“An emergency response was initiated, and the loader operator was brought to safe ground.”
He said the operator did not sustain any injuries.
“Mining and processing operations were suspended during the emergency response and immediately following while inspections were completed,” he said.
“Mining and processing operations have subsequently recommenced in consultation with Resources Safety and Health Queensland.”
Source: Townsville Bulletin.
