❓ Mr Murray questions Premier Coal's shot-firing protocols. The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) reports two incidents, considered breaches of procedure but not the Act, and outlines remedial actions taken by Premier Coal and the DMP.
AnsweredQoN 2288Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 and reporting requirements by Yancoal Australia Group’s Premier Coal Mine in Collie, and ask, in the last six months: (a) how many breaches of shot-firing protocols have occurred and been reported to the Department of Mines and Petroleum; and (b) what remedial action has been taken if any breaches have occurred?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 June 2014
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
35 days
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) advises:
(a)
It is aware of two shot firing incidents that have occurred and were reported by the Premier Coal mine in Collie in the last six months (13 November 2013 to 13 May 2013).
These incidents were considered a breach of Premier Coal procedures. These incidents were not considered to be a breach of the
Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994
.
(b)
Following the notification of each incident, Premier Coal was requested to undertake a detailed investigation to identify factors that contributed to the incident, and to identify corrective actions aimed at preventing a re-occurrence. In each case an investigation was undertaken.
Following each notification inspectors from DMP Collie office have held discussions with the Registered Manager, reviewed the findings of the investigation, and conducted
site inspections.
Guidance information, relating to the preparation of an Explosives Management Plan and the preparation of blast plans, was provided to the Registered Manager by DMP following the first incident.
Actions taken by Premier Coal since the first shot-firing incident occurred include:
·
The involved shot-firer had his appointment revoked.
·
All shot-firers on site have been re-assessed for competency.
·
A third party blasting specialist has been engaged.
·
A recently engaged, technical services manager has worked with the blasting specialist, shot crew and production engineers to review and improve blast designs, practices and techniques.
DMP continues to monitor the situation at Premier Coal, including any incidents reported.
(a)
It is aware of two shot firing incidents that have occurred and were reported by the Premier Coal mine in Collie in the last six months (13 November 2013 to 13 May 2013).
These incidents were considered a breach of Premier Coal procedures. These incidents were not considered to be a breach of the
Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994
.
(b)
Following the notification of each incident, Premier Coal was requested to undertake a detailed investigation to identify factors that contributed to the incident, and to identify corrective actions aimed at preventing a re-occurrence. In each case an investigation was undertaken.
Following each notification inspectors from DMP Collie office have held discussions with the Registered Manager, reviewed the findings of the investigation, and conducted
site inspections.
Guidance information, relating to the preparation of an Explosives Management Plan and the preparation of blast plans, was provided to the Registered Manager by DMP following the first incident.
Actions taken by Premier Coal since the first shot-firing incident occurred include:
·
The involved shot-firer had his appointment revoked.
·
All shot-firers on site have been re-assessed for competency.
·
A third party blasting specialist has been engaged.
·
A recently engaged, technical services manager has worked with the blasting specialist, shot crew and production engineers to review and improve blast designs, practices and techniques.
DMP continues to monitor the situation at Premier Coal, including any incidents reported.
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