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Health and Safety

The multiple lines of defence safety strategy contained in the Case for Safety was further refined during the year. In May 2009, a government audit team conducted a preliminary audit of the safety management system at the Tasmania Mine. The audit noted significant levels of conformance but also identified some areas for improvement that will be followed up next year. The report concluded, “the company is applying a collaborative approach to safety, continuing with the development and improvement of the safety management system and has fostered a strong safety and health culture.”

Good progress has been made towards the target of having all mine and mill personnel trained to a national standard with a qualification of Certificate 3 in Metalliferous Mining.  During 2009, the qualification rate for the underground workforce has increased to over 90%.  This initiative received Federal funding through the Apprenticeship Training scheme.

A peer review of the strain burst energy parameters for the Western part of the mine was undertaken in July. The peer review report confirmed the methodology used to determine the required support parameters for the mine, concluding “The engineering staff .... are to be commended for the comprehensive program.... These activities exceed standard geotechnical procedures, and in the reviewer’s opinion are best practice in Australia for rockburst risk management.”