Investigation launched into death of underground miner in Pilbara

26/3/99
The Department of Minerals and Energy has launched an immediate investigation into the overnight death of an underground miner in the Pilbara region, Mines Minister Norman Moore said today.
The Minister said he was saddened to hear news of the tragic death of a 35-year-old Karratha man at the Radio Hill Mine and extended his condolences to the miner's family.
The Radio Hill nickel/copper mine is operated by Titan Resources NL and is situated between Karratha and Tom Price.
" I have been advised by the department that the miner was killed just before midnight by a rock fall in the undergound workings of the mine," Mr Moore said.
Information currently available to the department indicates that the miner, who was employed by the mining contractor, Henry Walker, was one of three people present during the tying in of charge holes in one half of a stope face; the other half of the face had previously been fired.
A fall occurred from the face and the miner was struck by a large slab of rock .
Mr Moore said although this was the first mining fatality since July last year, the death of a miner was not acceptable.
"The Government will continue to strive for zero fatalities in the mining industry in the State," he said.
Media contact: Hartley Joynt 9321 1444