QMEB ยป Mining giant accuses industry body of resorting to ‘smear’ tactics
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Mining giant accuses industry body of resorting to ‘smear’ tactics

Carmichael mine workers
Carmichael mine workers

A multinational resources company claimed industry advocates tried to undermine its reputation for leverage purposes.

Bravus Mining and Resources accused the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) of making false statements about work conditions at the Carmichael Coal Mine, 160km northwest of Clermont.

“This smear from the CFMEU is nothing more than a grubby attempt to sway opinion in their negotiations with our mining services contractor MacKellar regarding work arrangements, which are currently before the Fair Work Commission,” a Bravus spokesperson said.

CFMEU had accused the employer of providing inadequate access to food and accommodation. This allegedly resulted in staff feeling “famished” and deprived of “proper sleeping facilities”, leading to workplace injuries, damaged equipment and other safety concerns. The union also claimed the number of injuries at the mine was higher than officially reported.

The proponent (formerly known as Adani) stressed there are no hungry or restless workers at the mine site, and its “number-one priority” is workplace health and safety.

“The current provision of camp amenities, services and rostering arrangements have been in place for the past two years and have served our 2,600+ strong team. Further, we are compliant with our health and safety legal requirements and have had regular visits from the mines inspectorate,” the spokesperson said.

“It is disappointing the union has chosen to go down this path when we have made it abundantly clear that we are committed to long-term, secure employment for our workforce.”

Bravus suggested the union should use its manpower and resources to better protect mine workers from anti coal activism-related harassment, intimidation and sabotage.

“If the CFMEU was really worried about the health and safety of workers they would be doing everything they can to have the unauthorised anti-coal activist camp located on the mining lease removed. Unsurprisingly, they have not done a thing about this,” the spokesperson said.

A CFMEU spokesperson told QMEB the union stands by its statements.

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