Fed: Union to conduct its own probe at mine accident site

AAP General News (Australia)
04-26-2006
Fed: Union to conduct its own probe at mine accident site

Mr Howse, who will fly from Melbourne to Launceston this morning, said the accident
highlighted the dangers of underground mining.

"Underground mining ... is a risky business, we have members from the far north of
Queensland down to the southern parts of Tasmania who work in the industry," he told Macquarie
Radio.

"Unfortunately there are a number of casualties and injuries every year that we have
the grim task of investigating.

"At the end of the day we have a responsibility and a duty of care to our members and
the AWU to make sure they are working in a safe environment."

But Mr Howse conceded some accidents could not be prevented.

Fourteen miners were in the mine at the time of the incident, but 11 managed to escape.

Mr Howse said it was not clear how the others had gotten out safely, but it appeared
they were not as far underground as the three missing miners.

"That's what we presume...," he said.

Mr Howse said it was a horrible tragedy.

"It's going to be a harrowing experience over the next 24 hours to see how we go," he said.

"Obviously the mine rescue crews are on site at the moment and doing their best but
it's just devastating for our members and the families of our members in the area."

AAP nf/jlw

KEYWORD: MINE AWU 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.