In an attempt to quell the rumour-mill, owners of the Mt Lyell Copper Mine in Tasmania have confirmed that the mine will re-open as soon as independent investigations into three recent deaths at the mine have been completed.
However General Manager of Copper Mines of Tasmania (CMT), Scot Clyde, said today there was still much work to be done before the company could make any definitive statement about when the mine would return to production.
“Nevertheless, we are aware of concerns and rumours circulating among our employees and in the community about the future operation of the mine,” Mr Clyde said.
“We also understand the concern among our employees and their families about the safety of the mine following the two tragic incidents that have taken the lives of three of our workers in such a short time.
“CMT therefore want to reassure our employees and the community that we are committed to operating the mine into the future and will explore every avenue available to us to return to production as soon as practical, provided it can be done safely,” he said.
Mr Clyde said CMT had sought to engage Australian and international engineering experts to provide advice and that three streams of investigations by the Police/Coroner, Worksafe
Tasmania and a joint CMT-Barminco team were underway.
Mr Clyde said at present employees were engaged in maintenance and the provision of essential services and risk assessment work, while a few had elected to use annual leave.
He said it may be some days or weeks before the company was in a position to say more.
“We understand it is a very difficult, stressful and worrying time for everyone and will do our utmost to provide some clarity as soon as we are able,” Mr Clyde said.
Add Comment