To Peter Newman, Chief Inspector Coal Mines. North Goonyella Spontaneous Combustion, Methane Explosion and Mine Fire in September 2018. Time Frame Expiry

To: “DOBSON Shaun” ; resources@ministerial.qld.gov.au; peter.newman@dnrme.qld.gov.au
Sent: Wednesday, 1 Sep, 2021 At 1:46 PM
Subject: Re: Read: Fwd: North Goonyella Time Frame Expiry Fwd: North Goonyella Complaint Letter sent 20th Feb 2020

Minister, Peter, Shaun;

It is time the CIOCM and RSHQ come out of hiding over North Goonyella.

The 3 year delay is beyond reprehensible.

It is a national disgrace.

Do you have no shame?
Can you look yourself in the mirror and say I am doing my best about mine safety?

Tell that to the Grosvenor men

Peabody itself released its findings on the 27th of March 2019, 29 months ago.
https://www.peabodyenergy.com/Media-Center/Newsroom
It would be a matter that should be well within the roles, responsibilities and resources of the Mines Department to align the findings of just the Peabody Report to the relevant appointed Statutory position holders given their Responsibilities under the Act, Regulations and the then North Goonyella Safety and Health Management System.
Also, the Peabody admissions should be aligned with the findings of the Mines Department Investigation at least.
While before your current tenure as the Chief Inspector of Coal Mines, the lack of action by the DNRME has now resulted in the now very real situation that the vast majority of former employees including senior Statutory Tickets Holders have now either been retrenched/resigned to further their careers elsewhere in the Queensland Underground Coal Industry.
The almost complete absence of any information from the DNRME has allowed the reason for the lack of a Public Investigation Report as let a number of questions as to why.
These include
1. All Management requested for formal interview or provide a written statement have stated that they will only do so under Compulsion and with legal Representatives.
2. Mines Inspector with oversight over North Goonyella at the time of the spontaneous combustion, fire and sealing unfortunately left the Mines Department soon after to take up a Senior Statutory at another Mine. The ex-Inspector has also declined to answer any questions unless compelled to do.
North Goonyella is by far the most significant spontaneous combustion event since Moura No 2.
All the current requirements about spontaneous combustion and ventilation and withdrawal of workers, flow directly from Recommendations from the Moura No 2 Mining Warden Inquiry.
The Competencies to obtain Statutory Certificates were totally changed and new ones such as Ventilation Officers created to specifically address the issues with Spontaneous Combustion.
Unless my reading of the time frames for legal proceedings is somehow incorrect; there is no impediment to the DNRME releasing its report.
It is inconceivable that the so far secret Investigation Report of The DNRME into North Goonyella fire and sealing has not been released.
It is a direct insult to
• Eleven workers forever entombed in Moura No 4, their families, friends, work mates and the Moura Community
• North Goonyella Workers subject to the circumstances of the North Goonyella Mine fire, and the resulting closure of the Mine who have lost their employment
• All underground coal mine workers in the State
My final direct question is when will the DNRME Investigation Report be released?