Mine collapse enquiries

The Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Peter Batchelor, recently initiated two government inquiries into the Yallourn mine collapse in November.

On 14 November 2007, the northern wall of TRUenergy’s Yallourn mine collapsed, resulting in the Latrobe River flowing directly into the open cut mine until a diversion could be put in place to direct water back along the river course.

The incident disrupted mining and power production at Yallourn. Batchelor said the inquiries would separately investigate the facts and causes of what occurred and compliance with mining licence obligations: “This was a major incident resulting in potentially significant environmental impacts and while no one was hurt, we need to ensure the highest safety standards across the industry are in place. It is crucial that we understand what caused this incident, so that we can prevent further incidents of this kind.

Batchelor said the first investigation by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) into TRUenergy’s performance against their mining licence obligations had commenced.

A second inquiry into the causes of the mine wall collapse is expected to begin early 2008, conducted by an independent person with specialist expertise, who would be appointed as Mining Warden by the Governor in Council.

Batchelor continued: “There are two investigations because DPI is responsible for regulation of the mining industry under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act and will therefore investigate the compliance issues. A mining warden, however, has broader powers of investigation including the ability to enter any land, summons a person to give evidence on oath and require the production of documents.”

The investigations are expected to be completed in the first half of 2008.