24 November 2004
At about 10:30 am on 24 November 2004 an accident occurred at the Mount Norma mine, a small open cut copper mine about 30 km south east of Cloncurry.
It is reported that a driller was fatally injured when a bench collapsed causing him to fall about 15 metres over the edge of the bench with the drill rig.
An inspector of mines from Mount Isa travelled to the site today with the police and an investigation has begun. An inspector with extensive rock mechanics engineering knowledge will travel from Brisbane to be on site tomorrow to assist with the investigation. A report will be provided to the Chief inspector and the State Coroner.
Roger Billingham
Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines (Metalliferous)
Mines Inspectorate
Department of Natural Resources and Mines