Perth date added for exploration safety information sessions

Due to popular demand, an exploration information session will be held in Perth on Monday 30 July in addition to the Kalgoorlie event.

The half-day sessions will include information on the department’s expectations regarding exploration safety, transitioning from exploration to operation, promoting best practice and how the code of practice for Emergency management for Western Australian mines relates to exploration.

Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said mineral exploration presents additional risk factors and ensuring the operations make safety a priority is critical.

“Drilling in any environment can be hazardous but mineral exploration in remote locations, such as those found in Western Australia, presents additional risk factors,” Mr Chaplyn said.

“These factors include the risk of extreme weather events, accessibility difficulties and distance from emergency services.”

In 2017 there were 17 serious injuries and one fatality in Western Australia’s mineral exploration industry.

“While exploration operations account for a small number of injuries and notifiable incidents across the mining industry, the risk factors associated with exploration can impact on the safety and health outcomes for workers,” Mr Chaplyn said.

Mr Chaplyn said anyone with functions and responsibilities for ensuring exploration is done safely would benefit from attending the department’s free information sessions.

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder information session will held on 24 July at the Kalgoorlie Overland Motel. The Perth event will be on 30 July at the department's Mineral House building in East Perth.

For more details about the Perth session, including how to register, visit the Perth event page.

For information on the Kalgoorlie event, visit the Kalgoorlie event page.