❓ Question regarding unsecured explosives at Norseman Gold Operations, potential consequences of detonation, and risk of rockfalls. The Minister acknowledges the risks.
AnsweredQoN 2463Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Norseman Gold Operations in Norseman and its management, and ask -
(1) Can the Minister state, what are the known consequences and the potential of having a percussion blast with approximately 120 kilograms of explosives stored unsecured, for at least 12 months along with detonators and detonating cord which was located in a drive on the corner of a travel way approximately 20 metres down the travel way between the top of the ladder way on the five level, and bottom of the shaft on the five level and reportedly on a escape route within the mine?
(2) If no to (2), why not?
(3) Can the Minister state, what are the known consequences of having unsecured explosives within an operating mine referred to in (1), for activities being undertaken immediately above their location?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Does a percussion blast with approximately 120 kilograms of explosives referred to in (1), stored unsecured for at least 12 months along with detonators and detonating cord which was located in a drive on the corner of a travel way between the top of the ladder way on the five level and bottom of the shaft on the five level and reportedly on a escape route within the mine have the potential to create rockfalls in other active working areas and levels of the mine?
(6) If yes to (5), why?
(7) If no to (5), why not?
(1) Can the Minister state, what are the known consequences and the potential of having a percussion blast with approximately 120 kilograms of explosives stored unsecured, for at least 12 months along with detonators and detonating cord which was located in a drive on the corner of a travel way approximately 20 metres down the travel way between the top of the ladder way on the five level, and bottom of the shaft on the five level and reportedly on a escape route within the mine?
(2) If no to (2), why not?
(3) Can the Minister state, what are the known consequences of having unsecured explosives within an operating mine referred to in (1), for activities being undertaken immediately above their location?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) Does a percussion blast with approximately 120 kilograms of explosives referred to in (1), stored unsecured for at least 12 months along with detonators and detonating cord which was located in a drive on the corner of a travel way between the top of the ladder way on the five level and bottom of the shaft on the five level and reportedly on a escape route within the mine have the potential to create rockfalls in other active working areas and levels of the mine?
(6) If yes to (5), why?
(7) If no to (5), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 June 2010
Responded by
Minister for Mines and Petroleum
Response time
30 days
1) The unplanned detonation of any quantity of explosives may cause damage to infrastructure in the local area and be a serious hazard to persons in the vicinity.
2) Not applicable
3) The consequences of any unplanned detonation of explosives for activities being undertaken at the level above would depend on a number of factors including mine design, geological conditions, etc.
4) Not applicable
5) Yes
6) If such a quantity of explosives was detonated there could be a risk of a localised rock fall elsewhere in the mine.
7) Not applicable
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2) Not applicable
3) The consequences of any unplanned detonation of explosives for activities being undertaken at the level above would depend on a number of factors including mine design, geological conditions, etc.
4) Not applicable
5) Yes
6) If such a quantity of explosives was detonated there could be a risk of a localised rock fall elsewhere in the mine.
7) Not applicable
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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