The final investigation report into the underground mine fire at Perilya’s Southern Operations in Broken Hill has highlighted the risks of unmanaged polymeric products usage.

In its causal report released on July 10, the NSW Resources Regulator has outlined the factors that led to the fire at the site earlier this year.

According to the safety watchdog, the fire occurred when polyurethane (PUR) foam was used to fill a void, resulting in the emergency evacuation of 46 workers, and trapping 5 personnel in a fresh air base.

Operations were halted for an extended period with no injuries reported.

The regulator’s report found the incident was the result of a “systemic breakdown of contractor management, hazard awareness, procedural compliance and risk governance”.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, the report also lists out five recommendations for industry.

Operators should, the regulator suggests, review and revise their risk management of polymeric products, and ensure that a comprehensive, risk-based review and revision of their contract management plan, policy, checklists, and associated processes is conducted to ensure robust contractor engagement and oversight.

They should also review and revise their site-wide chemical management system, including handling and storage of chemicals, and have a process to complete a comprehensive review and revision of their Emergency Management Plan (EMP) on a regular basis.

The final recommendation urges the resources regulator itself, in collaboration with relevant Australian mining regulators and industry representative bodies, to complete a coordinated review and reform package aimed at improving the safe use, regulation, and understanding of polymeric products in mining operations.