Spring Creek Mine development suspended following injury

Spring Creek Mine development suspended following injury

Solid Energy suspended underground face operations at Spring Creek Mine, near Greymouth, following an injury to a mineworker at about 2am on Wednesday (25 July).

The injured mineworker is receiving treatment at Christchurch Hospital. He was a member of a team installing roof support in a recently formed underground tunnel area. The incident is still being investigated but it appears a lump of coal fell to the floor nearby and knocked him down as it toppled over.

Following notification, inspectors from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s High Hazards Unit visited the mine and issued a prohibition notice after inspecting the work area and discussions with mine management and members of the underground workforce.

Larry Hull, Solid Energy’s Group Manager Coal Operations, says, “We’re obviously very concerned that one of our people has been hurt. Prior to the inspectors’ decision the mine’s management team had already ceased underground face operations and had begun a risk assessment and review of all relevant operating procedures and job safety checklists.

“If any changes are needed as a result of those reviews, the underground mining teams and supervisors will take part in refresher training before work resumes,” he says.

ENDS

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