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.
Moore says 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.
The Minister rejected union calls for a Federal inquiry into mine safety following the latest incident at the Perseverance nickel mine and claims that the government has done little about safety.
Moore rebutted those claims saying that the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) is advertising for up to six new inspectors to enhance safety and regulation across the resources sector in response to the incidences.
Moore continues to say that 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.
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