Minister asks State Mining Engineer to investigate closing down Leinster mine

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has sought urgent advice from State Mining Engineer Martin Knee as to whether or not BHP Billiton's Perseverance nickel mine should remain open.

Mr Moore said today that the latest incident at the underground mine near Leinster - coming about three weeks after a miner was trapped underground following a similar seismic event - had raised serious concerns about the mine's safety.

A prohibition notice has been issued which requires the company to cease mining operations in the 'at risk' section of the mine.

"I have asked the State Mining Engineer to give me his professional advice whether there is any reason to stop the Perseverance nickel mine from continuing operations and if further directions should be issued under Section 45 of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act," he said.

"This could mean that further, independent engineering studies are required to determine if those parts of the mine that are currently closed can be reopened."

The Minister rejected union calls for a Federal inquiry into mine safety following yesterday's incident at the Perseverance nickel mine.

"If the union wants the mine closed and the miners put out of work, it should say so rather than trying to extract political mileage out of this latest incident," he said.

"I would urge the union and Labor to support moves I have already set in train to help fix the problem."

Mr Moore also rejected suggestions the State Government had done nothing to ensure worker safety in the resources sector.

"Some of the moves I have already set in train to address this issue and to improve the situation include the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) advertising for up to six new inspectors to enhance safety and regulation across the resources sector," he said.

"In addition, I have already directed the DMP to work up a business case for cost recovery as it relates to mine safety.

"Such a scheme, if implemented, could see additional funding being made available to increase compliance activities by DMP inspectors.

"Parts of the resource industry have already indicated support for the idea.

"I am keen to implement some of the 119 recommendations of the Kenner Report - that reviewed the Mines Safety and Inspection Act - as soon as reasonably possible.

"The introduction of a safety case regime into the mining industry could be a significant part of this.

"In addition to the Kenner Report, the State Mining Engineer commissioned a Section 45 report from BHP Billiton after recent deaths on some of that company's Pilbara mine sites.

"Mr Knee is currently considering that report into safety operations on BHP Billiton's Pilbara iron ore operations and I expect that he will advise me in the near future of his subsequent response.

"In the interim, Mr Knee has already taken unprecedented action by directing mines inspectors to deal with any safety issues identified on BHP Billiton worksites in the Pilbara by issuing prohibition notices rather than the more commonly issued improvement notices.

"BHP Billiton is a company which has experienced more than its share of problems in recent times.

"In the most recent case, I am advised that a DMP mines inspector will carry out an on-site investigation and that the prohibition notice will remain in place at the site until all problems are fixed."