NSW mine expert to assist with Beaconsfield investigation

A special NSW mine safety investigator has been sent to Tasmania to assist with the investigation into the Beaconsfield Mine accident.

Mr Paul Raftery, a senior investigator with the NSW Department of Primary Industries Mine Safety Investigation Unit, will arrive in Beaconsfield today to be part of an independent investigation team for the Beaconsfield Mine rockfall, which was announced earlier this week by the Tasmanian Government.

Mr Raftery has 30 years experience in the mining industry and is recognised as a leading authority in his field having held several mining industry positions including Mines Inspector for 11 years before becoming a Senior Investigator with the NSW DPI Mine Safety Investigation Unit in 2003.

He is part of a specialised team based at the new Mine Safety Technology Centre at Thornton, which opened in June 2005.

The DPI Investigation Unit responds to serious mining accidents anywhere in New South Wales, and offers assistance in other States when needed.

It was established in 1999 in response to a recommendation by the Mine Safety Review (1997) and the Gretley Inquiry (1998) to improve mine safety and to promote changes in the safety culture in the mining industry.

The Unit’s investigators have experience across coal, metalliferous and extractive industries, and may find themselves examining accident scenes deep underground or in surface operations.

The team has developed a range of specialist skills and to help undertake complex mining related investigations.

These capabilities are regarded as being at the leading edge of world’s best practice.

Mr Raftery began his mining career in Broken Hill, when he studied as a Cadet Mining Engineer, graduating in 1976.