On 24 August 2019, a pit wall collapse caused a fatal injury of a 49-year-old man at the OM (Manganese Ltd) Bootu Creek Manganese Mine (approximately 110 kilometres north of Tennant Creek) in the Northern Territory.
Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services quickly responded to the report. On Monday 26 August, an official Joint Agency Taskforce was established, led by NT Police and assisted by NT Worksafe and the Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) to respond to the incident. Worksafe inspectors and DPIR officers have now joined police on-site at the operations centre.
Initial reports from NT Worksafe inspectors have shown that water seeps from the pit wall, and that the ground remains unstable. According to the NT Police, instability of the site needs to be further assessed before any work can be undertaken to ensure the safety of workers and responders.
NT Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby, directed that an Instruction be issued by the department to the mining company, requiring them to immediately cease in-pit operations.
Minister Kirby said the incident is an absolute tragedy and his thoughts go to all the workers at the site and the families involved.
“Territorians have the right to go to work and return safely to their families,” he said.
The industry was quick to extend its sincere sympathy to family, friends and colleagues of the employee.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) confirmed that it is working with member companies to provide aid to those affected by the incident.
Chief Executive Officer of the MCA, Tania Constable, said the number one value and commitment of the Australian minerals industry is the safety and health of the workforce.
“Any loss of life in Australian mining is unacceptable. This incident sends a clear message that the minerals industry needs to work harder on leadership, systems, people, culture and behaviour to become free of fatalities, injuries and industrial disease.”
MCA NT is also working with member companies to provide assistance and advice to all those affected.