The Mining and Energy Union welcomes industrial manslaughter charges being laid against Mastermyne over the death of coal miner Graham Dawson at Crinum underground mine three years ago.
It is the first time industrial manslaughter charges have been applied in mining since laws were extended to cover the industry in 2020.
The Office of the Work Health Safety Prosecutor has filed charges against Mastermyne – a move recommended by the MEU two years ago.
Graham Dawson was an experienced 60-year-old underground miner who was killed after the roof of the Crinum Mine collapsed and crushed him in September 2021. It took four days for Graham's body to be recovered.
Charges of grievous bodily harm have also been laid over the injury of another worker caught up in the same event.
The MEU made the recommendation to prosecute after investigations by the Union's Industry Safety and Health Representatives indicated that Mastermyne's strata control systems were inadequate. At the time of the event, Mastermyne employed and managed the whole production workforce at Crinum.
MEU Queensland District President Mitch Hughes said news of the prosecution would bring some relief to Graham Dawson's family and workmates.
"While nothing can make up for the tragic loss of Graham, it is a relief to know that those in charge of operations at Crinum will be held to account.
"In a period where we are seeing unacceptable rates of fatalities and serious injuries in the Queensland mining industry, workers and their families have been calling out for justice and for consequences when negligence kills or injures workers.
"We campaigned to see industrial manslaughter extended to cover the mining industry and we have also campaigned to see these laws used. Our industry needs accountability."
Charges in the Graham Dawson case come after the second fatality in weeks at Byerwen mine and a major underground explosion at Grosvenor mine at the end of June.
Mr Hughes said that today's charges should send a strong message to mine managers and operators about the consequences of cutting corners on safety. "If you seriously injure or kill a worker, you will be held to account."
