Mine site reporting lapse spurs stronger safety oversight

After a miner was put on notice for failing to report a fire-related incident at its Victorian site, the state’s mine safety watchdog is reminding companies that all dangerous events must be relayed to the regulator.

An infringement notice has been issued to Victory Minerals after a fire occurred at its mine in Mount Clear, for not promptly reporting the incident to Resources Victoria.

According to the regulator, organisations that hold a minerals licence in the state are legally required to report such incidents to the chief inspector as soon as possible.

The gold-miner, however, did not notify Resources Victoria of the incident for more than two days.

Reportable incidents include fires, explosions, the failure of slopes or tailings dams, airborne rock from blasting, spillage of harmful substances and breaches of licence or work authority conditions.

These incidents can cause significant harm to individuals, the environment and the integrity of the site, the regulator said.

“Detailed, accurate and timely reporting of incidents by site operators to Resources Victoria helps ensure risks can be promptly identified and immediately addressed,” Resources Victoria chief inspector Renee Palmer said.

“Any unexpected event linked to site activities that is likely to cause significant harm to individuals, the environment or operations at the site must be reported to Resources Victoria.”

Site operators should ensure their emergency procedures are up to date and include the reporting of incidents to Resources Victoria on 1300 240 308.