Senior figures around South32’s Appin mine are concerned underground safety will slip in the wake of months of turmoil among mine leadership.
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New general manager Greg Pawley has left after just a week on the job.
He had been brought in as part of a takeover by management consultants IG Partners, which has seen heavy turnover at senior levels.
The Mercury understands the highly regarded Mr Pawley had sought to reduce reliance on contract workers from Queensland firm Redpath Mining and his departure was related to this.
The mine’s gas drainage co-ordinator, described as an “international expert” in his field, has been shifted to another Illawarra site, and the mine’s ventilation officer has also left. After just two ventilation officers over 20 years, Appin has now turned over seven in two years.
Some long-time staff fear the gassiest mine in the Southern Hemisphere, beset by gas problems this year, now lacks the specific experience to keep it safe.
“The systematic degrading of the culture that’s been built up over 20 years is really worrying,” one senior figure with close knowledge of the mine told the Mercury.
“I wouldn’t go underground there. I have no confidence in the safety system.
“I’m quite concerned there might to be a safety incident at the mine.
“The boys will all be talking about this [turmoil] as they go down in the cage this afternoon. Their minds will be on that as opposed to concentrating on safety.”
Cuts to gas management budgets would result in less frequent checking of gas safety systems, he said.
A South32 spokeswoman said there was an effort to to change the culture at the mine, working with the Resources Regulator.
“We have reinforced management systems, structures and processes and we have increased our focus on the reliability of our gas management, ventilation and high voltage reticulation systems,” she said. “There is a long-term cultural issue at the Illawarra, which has developed over many decades, and we are working to change this to ensure the safety and sustainability of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.
“We believe in creating an inclusive workplace free from bullying, harassment and intimidation.”
Kylie Rooke, organiser with mine staff union Professionals Australia, said there had been hopes Mr Pawley would “right the ship”.
“The constant turmoil and changeover in senior personnel can surely not be doing anything to assist with the safety of the operation,” she said.
“Our concern is that rather than focus on systemic problems, scapegoating is maybe what has been occurring.”
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