Mine rockfall not preventable: Inquest
Posted
A manager at the Beaconsfield Gold mine has told an inquest he is convinced the fatal rockfall more than two years ago could not have been prevented.
The mine's Chief Geologist Peter Hills has given evidence at the Launceston inquest into the death of miner Larry Knight.
He told the inquest that mine management and experts agree the seismic event on Anzac Day 2006 was so great that no ground support could have held the rock in place.
He said the mine now uses methods that avoid miners going into risky areas because managers "weren't satisfied" any support system would be able to withstand another similar event.
Mr Hills' evidence has concluded the eighth week of hearings.
The inquest will resume later this month when Mine Manager Matthew Gill will be called to give evidence.
It is now unclear whether the Coroner Rod Chandler will present his findings before the end of the year, as the final submissions from the lawyers are not due until November.
