❓ A parliamentary question regarding the suspension of Mount Gibson Iron's Koolan Island operation due to a seawall failure and subsequent impacts on mining, employment, and iron ore exports. The government response details the cause, ongoing investigation, and consequences of the suspension.
AnsweredQoN 2191Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the suspension of Mount Gibson Iron's Koolan Island operation, that was reported in MiningNews.net on 27 October 2014, and I ask: (a) what caused the suspension; (b) have remedial actions been taken to address the problems that led to the suspension, and what were these actions; (c) has the work to remedy the problems been completed; (d) if the problems are related to rock face slippage or instability, does the Minister stand by his answer to question on notice No. 1109 on 24 June 2014 that he considers the design to be safe; (e) has the mine re-opened; (f) if yes to (e), when did this occur, and were any extra conditions imposed; (g) was anyone laid off as a result of the suspension, and if so, how many people and for how long; and (h) did the suspension of mining affect the company's export of iron ore from Koolan Island, and if so, what exactly were the ramifications to the company?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2015
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
91 days
The Department of Mines and Petroleum advises:
(a)
A failure of the seawall which caused flooding of the main pit.
(b)
- (c)
No. The cause of the seawall failure is still being investigated by Mt Gibson Iron and their consultants.
(d)
The problems referred to are not related to rock face slippage or instability.
(e)
No. The flooded main pit has not been re-opened. Mining is currently taking place from
another pit on the island.
(f)
Not applicable
(g)
Approximately 200 personnel were made redundant.
(h)
Yes. The flooded main pit has affected mining capacity and iron ore export operations. Any ramifications are as yet unclear.
(a)
A failure of the seawall which caused flooding of the main pit.
(b)
- (c)
No. The cause of the seawall failure is still being investigated by Mt Gibson Iron and their consultants.
(d)
The problems referred to are not related to rock face slippage or instability.
(e)
No. The flooded main pit has not been re-opened. Mining is currently taking place from
another pit on the island.
(f)
Not applicable
(g)
Approximately 200 personnel were made redundant.
(h)
Yes. The flooded main pit has affected mining capacity and iron ore export operations. Any ramifications are as yet unclear.
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