News

Mining is a multinational industry and companies must be held to the highest standards when it comes to dust exposure for workers, participants at a global conference on occupational dust diseases on the Gold Coast has heard. “Companies like Rio Tinto, BHP and Anglo operate across borders,” said CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen […]

A new ‘one stop shop’ and confidential hotline announced by the Queensland Government today is a welcome initiative to support the growing number of Queenslanders affected by mine dust lung diseases, the Miners’ Union said today. With the number of confirmed cases of mine dust diseases including Black Lung climbing to 133, current and former […]

The establishment of a mobile screening van to test Queensland coal mineworkers for dust diseases such as Black Lung will save lives, according to the CFMEU Mining & Energy Division. CFMEU Mining & Energy Queensland President Steve Smyth today said many current and former mineworkers were missing out on respiratory screening. “The mobile service will […]

In a gesture of solidarity and a commitment to stand by them throughout their ordeal, our Union’s Oaky North Lodge in Central Queensland presented Honorary Life membership to four of their former workmates suffering from Black Lung Disease. Speaking before a crowded May Day celebration in Tieri, Lodge President Ross Clark presented Gary Schnidt, Brad […]

The Mine Dust Diseases Victims Group will hold forums in Rockhampton, Mackay and Moranbah next week to inform current and former coal miners about debilitating and often deadly Black Lung coal mine dust diseases. Victims Group advocate Jim Pearce said 105 current and retired Queensland coal industry workers have now been diagnosed with industrial lung […]

Victims of coal mine dust diseases and their supporters will today rally and attempt to meet with the CEO of BHP and other senior executives at the company’s plush Melbourne headquarters. The group is campaigning for the establishment of a victims’ support fund to help people with mine dust diseases and their families cope. Mine […]

Over 100 Queenslanders have now been diagnosed with mine dust lung diseases such as black lung and silicosis, according to the latest figures from CFMEU Mining & Energy. CFMEU Mining & Energy Queensland District President Steve Smyth said the true number of victims was probably much higher due to poor processes for diagnosing workers. “Reaching […]

Victims of coal mine dust diseases and their supporters rallied outside BHP’S Brisbane office on Friday. The group is campaigning for the establishment of a victims support fund to help people with mine dust diseases and their families cope. The Mine Dust Victims Group has written to the CEO of BHP, Andrew Mackenzie, seeking the […]

Mine dust victims and supporters tried to meet with Queensland Member of Parliament Michelle Landry at her electorate office in Rockhampton but she would not come out to meet with them. The group were kicking off their campaign to ask politicians to support an industry fund that will provide care and support to victims of […]

The Queensland Government’s announcement of a new Notifiable Dust Lung Disease Register to officially record cases of occupational dust disease is a welcome step in addressing a growing workplace health crisis, the CFMEU said today. However, a lack of independent medical professionals with expertise in occupational dust disease is preventing authorities from getting a true […]