Mastermyne fined after Gavin Feltwell killed at Moranbah North mine

Incident Overview

Gavin Feltwell, aged 59, was fatally struck while working underground at the Moranbah North coal mine in Central Queensland. The ABC reported on 7 July 2026 that Mastermyne Contracting Services had pleaded guilty and been fined after his death.

The available account said Mr Feltwell and five crew members were removing a conveyor when a torque arm slipped from its slings and struck him in the head. The incident occurred in 2022; the source did not state the exact date.

Workplace, Location and Time

The incident occurred during a night shift at the Moranbah North coal mine. The mine is in Central Queensland. The ABC report described the death as occurring four years earlier and identified the year as 2022, but did not provide a precise date or time.

Worker and Incident Details

Mr Feltwell was an underground mine worker. He was working with a five-person crew to remove a conveyor when the torque arm slipped from the slings. The reported mechanism is based on the ABC’s account of the incident; it does not by itself establish every legal issue considered by the court.

Injuries or Fatality

The torque arm fatally struck Mr Feltwell in the head. He died at the mine. No other injuries were reported in the available source.

Emergency and Regulator Response

Resources Safety and Health Queensland launched an investigation after the death. Mastermyne was charged in November 2023 with failing to discharge health and safety obligations causing death or grievous bodily harm under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999. General information for people affected by a workplace injury is available from workers compensation lawyers.

Investigation or Court Update

Mastermyne pleaded guilty. The ABC reported that it was fined $310,000 and ordered to pay $54,973.44 in court and legal costs, with no conviction recorded. The company’s court outcome and the family’s criticism of the penalty should be kept distinct: the fine is the sentence reported, while calls for stronger deterrence are attributed views.

Sources

• ABC News — Family of Gavin Feltwell call for stronger sentencing for mining corporations (7 July 2026)