Mine manger denies safety compromise
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Mr Penney has praised mine managers. (ABC News: Michael Brooks)
The Beaconsfield Gold mine's geotechnical manager has strongly rejected claims the mine compromised safety in the lead-up to the fatal rockfall in 2006.
Adrian Penney has continued giving evidence at the Launceston inquest into the death of miner Larry Knight.
Previous witnesses, including some miners and experts, have suggested the mine was struggling financially before the accident and there was pressure to cut corners.
One memo said production in April was 3,000 tonnes below target and that staff had the opportunity to "make heroes of themselves".
But the mine's geotechnical manager Adrian Penney has strongly denied production was put ahead of safety.
He told the inquest management immediately stopped mining and cut a bypass tunnel after rockfalls in October 2005, when it would have been much cheaper and easier to just rely on more ground support.
Mr Penney praised a number of managers, including mine boss Matthew Gill, for their professionalism and skill
He said there was no pressure to resume mining by a set date.
