Mine lawyers challenge expert investigator
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Lawyers for the Beaconsfield Gold Mine have questioned an expert investigator.
Lawyers for the Beaconsfield Gold Mine have been questioning an expert about measures the mine took to prevent a rock fall on Anzac Day 2006 which killed miner Larry Knight.
The independent investigator, Scott Marisett, compiled a report into the fatal collapse and was critical of management for apparently mining three seismic active areas at once.
The mine's lawyers have been cross-examining Mr Marisett at the inquest in Launceston, focussing on a number of measures that management took to combat seismic activity after two rock falls in October 2005.
Mr Marisett confirmed that after the rock falls the mine had stopped taking out rock, briefed the Chief Inspector of mines, hired an experienced geotechnical expert to report on the incidents, and hired another consultant to analyse the mine's seismic data.
Lawyer, David Neal, suggested history showed the mine responding actively to seismic problems.
The first of Beaconsfield Gold's managers is due to give evidence next week.
