Mine 'disobeyed' expert's recommendations: Inquest
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A geotechnical expert told the inquest he had recommended the mine change its excavation schedule before the fatal rockfall. (ABC News: Jacqui Street)
An inquest has heard the Beaconsfield gold mine in Tasmania's north disobeyed the recommendations of at least three geotechnical experts in the way it extracted gold before a fatal rockfall two years ago.
West Australian geotechnicial engineer Peter Mikula was hired to advise the mine on seismic activity before the 2006 Anzac Day rockfall which killed Larry Knight, and trapped two workmates underground for a fortnight.
Mr Mikula has told an inquest in Launceston that six months earlier, he recommended the mine change its schedule for excavating rock.
He agreed that his suggestion was similar to a mining method recommended by two other consultants.
When shown a map of the mine, Mr Mikula said it appeared mine management did not follow the advice in the days leading up to the Anzac Day collapse.
