Memorial service pays tribute to lives lost at Queensland mines

The event is held every year on the 19th of September.

The date marks the anniversary of the state's worst mining disaster where 75 workers died in a coal mine explosion at Mount Mulligan in 1921.

There were no survivors.

Sadly, in the last year three workers have died at Queensland mines: Dylan Langridge and Trevor Davis at Dugald River in February 2023, and Ron Selig at an opal mine in November 2022.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) CEO Mark Stone said the annual service is a chance to reflect, but also a sobering reminder of why safety must always come first.

"We've made improvements to the systems to protect the safety and health of mine workers in recent years thanks to cooperation between industry, unions and government," said Mr Stone.

"But there remains a long way to go to ensure all workers come home safely to their families at the end of every shift."

"As the regulator, we continue to work on improving industry culture and practice around reporting high potential incidents.

"Maximising the learning opportunity from incidents before anyone is seriously hurt, is how we fix the unwanted but inevitable faults in our systems."

This year's Miners Memorial Day service was held at Mount Isa marking 100 years since the town was first established.

The Mount Isa region has recorded 502 mining fatalities over the years; more than any other mining region in Queensland.

"Miners Memorial Day understandably attracts a very large crowd every year including the loved ones of workers who have died at Queensland mines and quarries," said Mr Stone.

"I offer my sincere condolences to their family, friends and colleagues."

This year's Miners Memorial Day service was held at the Mt Isa Civic Centre.

Due to a power outage across North West Queensland, the livestream was unavailable.

ENDS