Mining industry to learn from new animation and CCTV of crane incident
Anglo American has today released an animation, encouraged by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), to educate industry on a common and dangerous issue.
The animation reconstructs a 40-tonne contractor crane rollover at Grosvenor Mine in December 2024.
The pick and carry crane was operating at more than 250% of its rated capacity when it rolled over, narrowly missing workers nearby.
The investigation identified several key contributing factors including safety alarms being overridden, and the lift being misclassified as ‘routine’ instead of ‘critical’ despite risk and terrain changes between jobs.
The animation was created following discussions with Queensland’s mining safety regulator, RSHQ.
RSHQ’s Chief Inspector of Coal Mines Jacques le Roux said crane rollovers have been a strong focus for the regulator over the last two years.
“We’ve been increasing awareness around crane-related issues for some time now through our own animation last year, Safety Alerts, forums and even involving the Crane Industry Council of Australia in our work,” said Mr le Roux.
“We commend Anglo American for creating this animation and proactively sharing learnings for the greater good of the industry.
“We welcome and encourage other mines to invest their resources in initiatives that improve safety outcomes for all workers.”
Since the incident at Grosvenor Mine, the crane contractor has also improved its safety, adding real-time alerts for override events and developing technology that allows site supervisors to review incidents.
Data from that crane contractor also shows a decrease in pick and carry crane incidents over the last six months.
“There’s been a cultural and behavioural change within industry recently which is so encouraging for us as the regulator,” said Mr le Roux.
“When we all work together, the safety and quality of work in our industry improves.”
ENDS
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Last updated: 10 Dec 2025