Audit finds problems with two West Coast mines

An independent audit of the safety of New Zealand's underground coal mines has found problems with the health and safety systems of two small West Coast mines.

However while some improvements can be made there is no evidence that a dangerous situation is imminent at any of the four mines audited.

The audit was ordered by Cabinet following the Pike River mine explosions which killed 29 miners in November last year.

Four mines were audited - Huntly East, Spring Creek, Roa and Burke's Creek.

Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson said the auditors' findings come with a recommendation the mine owners should enhance systems for identifying and mitigating hazards in each of the mines.

The auditors found these systems in the two smaller mines - Roa and Burke's Creek - may not reach a level where they are fully compliant with the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

"The Pike River disaster shook the nation and it was important we were assured that other mines were not at risk of facing a similar tragedy," Ms Wilkinson said

She said employers have a duty to ensure the safety of their staff and meet the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

"The department has already begun working with the mines to ensure they act on the recommendations," Ms Wilkinson said.

"The auditors' recommendations do not indicate that the mines are being operated in an unsafe manner. However, underground coal mining is inherently dangerous and the hazards cannot be entirely eliminated, so systems and processes to minimise harm must be in place."

The auditors' report will be provided to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

The principal findings of the report are:

**The audit did not reveal that a dangerous situation was imminent at any of the mines.

**The health and safety systems at the smaller mines (Roa and Burke's Creek) do not reach a level where they are fully compliant with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

**There are a number of areas for improvement at each of the four mines to strengthen their health and safety systems.

- NZ Herald staff