Court outcome QLD Mining and resources
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
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On Wednesday, 26 June 2019, David Routledge, a 55-year-old coal miner, was killed when a high wall collapsed during excavation operations at Middlemount Mine, located southwest of Mackay in central Queensland. He was buried by falling rock and soil while working in the pit.
Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd was subsequently prosecuted by the regulator for failing to meet its health and safety obligations. In November 2023, the Industrial Magistrates Court in Mackay imposed a fine of $70,000 with no convictions recorded.
The incident was investigated by the regulator, leading to prosecution of Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd. The company admitted to failing to meet its health and safety obligations. The case involved 47 witness statements and was re-evaluated after a late expert report prompted a shift in the company’s legal stance. The prosecution had sought a fine of up to $400,000 with convictions recorded, citing the gravity of the oversight.
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