Contraband and unauthorised ignition sources underground in coal mines

What happened?

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has received several reports of contraband allegedly entering underground coal mines.
Reports include allegations of vape use underground, and the introduction of other contraband including smoking materials.
Investigations into recent reports remain ongoing. RSHQ is urgently reminding all mine workers and operators of the catastrophic hazards contraband items present in underground coal mines.

How did it happen?

All underground coal mine workers, contractors, supervisors, statutory officials, site senior executives (SSEs) and mine operators are reminded of the critical importance of preventing contraband and unauthorised ignition sources from entering underground coal mining operations.
RSHQ has received six reports of contraband underground at different coal mines in Queensland so far in 2026, including two allegations of vapes being used underground at separate sites.
Other reports included allegations of unauthorised watches, smoking materials and a mobile phone being introduced underground in recent months.
This is a significant increase, the most recent report RSHQ received of contraband underground in coal mines was one report of smoking materials in 2012.

Reports to RSHQ of contraband underground at Queensland coal mines:

2000-2011: 0 reports
2012: 1 report (smoking materials)
2013-2025: 0 reports
2026: 6 reports (2 vape, 2 unauthorised watches, 1 mobile, 1 smoking materials)

What items are contraband underground?

Underground coal mines may contain methane gas and combustible coal dust.
Any ignition source has the potential to initiate a fire or explosion that could cause multiple injuries or fatalities.
Contraband includes vapes and e-cigarettes, lighters, matches, smoking materials, digital watches, smart watches, mobile phones, electronic car keys and any unauthorised device that may create an open flame, arc or spark that has the potential to trigger a fire or explosion in an underground coal mine.
Workers and mine operators should recognise that even seemingly small or common items can introduce an unacceptable ignition risk in an underground coal mining environment.
Mining equipment that complies with applicable regulatory requirements is excluded from the contraband classification. Electrical and mechanical equipment must meet applicable legislative, certification, authorisation and site requirements before being taken underground.

Vapes, e-cigarettes and unauthorised electronic devices:

Many vapes and electronic devices contain batteries that can fail if they are damaged, crushed, short-circuit, overheat or are otherwise compromised. Battery failure can generate heat, sparks, or fire which may act as an ignition source in the presence of methane gas or combustible coal dust.
A vape does not need to be actively used to present a potential ignition hazard. Battery failure caused by damage, crushing, overheating or short-circuiting may generate heat, sparks or fire. For example, a vape carried underground may be dropped, crushed by equipment, damaged during work activities or otherwise subjected to mechanical stress, potentially increasing the risk of battery failure.

Lighters and smoking materials:

A cigarette lighter is designed to generate a spark and flame which may ignite methane gas or combustible coal dust. For this clear reason, lighters, matches and smoking materials must not be taken underground.

Legislative obligations:

Workers, mine operators and others with safety and health obligations are reminded they must discharge those obligations under Queensland coal mining safety and health legislation. Anyone who is found to have allowed contraband into underground coal mines can face serious penalties, including site disciplinary action or prosecution.

Recommendations

Workers, supervisors, SSEs and mine operators all play a role in preventing contraband from entering underground coal mines.
Mines should review site procedures relating to prohibited items, ignition source control and underground access requirements.

Coal mine workers:

Workers should:
- stop and check pockets, bags and personal belongings before going underground
- ensure prohibited items are not taken underground
- comply with all site requirements relating to contraband and prohibited items
- report any concerns regarding prohibited items in accordance with site procedures
- immediately declare and surrender any prohibited item identified before going underground, in accordance with site procedures.

Coal mine operators and SSEs:

Mine operators and SSEs should ensure workers clearly understand both the hazards and their obligations relating to contraband items.
SSEs should review and verify the design, implementation and effectiveness of:
- contraband controls
- worker awareness programs
- search procedures and assurance activities
- contractor and visitor controls
- site compliance arrangements.
When reviewing their mine’s contraband search procedure, SSEs should ensure it:
- provides for routine and random searches
- specifies the frequency, time and place of searches
- specifies how searches are conducted, including the requirement for searches to be conducted by a person of the same sex
- ensures that, over time, every coal mine worker carrying out tasks underground is searched
- is being implemented consistently and is achieving its intended outcome
- applies appropriate controls to employees, contractors, labour-hire workers and visitors.

a vape in pieces laid on a table

Figure 1 - Vapes contain heating elements and batteries that can trigger underground explosions.

a vape in pieces laid on a table

Figure 2 – Testing shows vapes can reach up to 250 degrees when used.

References and further information

Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 — sections 33, 34, 37, 39, 39A, 41 and 42
Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 — sections 367 and 36
NSW Safety Bulletin – 2023 – Contraband in underground coal mines
WA Safety Bulletin – 2021 incident – Hazards associated with the use of e-cigarette devices
Relevant mine safety and health management system procedures relating to contraband, underground access and authorised equipment.

Authorised by Ron Wilkinson - chief-inspector-coal

Contact: QLDMinesInspectorate@rshq.qld.gov.au

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

Safety: This information is a guide only and is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.

Placement: Place this announcement on noticeboards and ensure all relevant people in your organisation receive a copy.

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