Mount Mulligan mine disaster

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The cable drums, blown 50 feet (15 m) from their foundations

The Mount Mulligan mine disaster occurred on September 19, 1921 in Mount Mulligan, Far North Queensland, Australia. A series of explosions in the local coal mine rocked the close knit township. Seventy-five men were killed in the disaster which could be the third worst coal mining accident in Australia in terms of human lives lost. The disaster affected people in cities and towns all over the country. The mine was new at the time of the accident and it was widely considered as safe with no previous indications of gas leaks. The miners hence worked using naked flame lights instead of safety lamps. ^[1]

[edit] Public inquiry

A Royal Commission into the accident confirmed that the disaster was caused by the detonation of a fire damp. The investigation found that explosives were used, stored, distributed and carried underground in a careless manner. It was also determined that the lack of appropriate means to render the coal dust safe in the mine was a breach of law.

[edit] Aftermath

The mine was reopened a year after the disaster. In 1923 the Queensland government bought it from the operators. It was in operation until 1957, although it was heavily subsidised after the war. The mine's final demise occurred with the completion of the Tully Falls hydro electricity scheme. Soon after, the town was sold and most of the buildings were removed. ^[2]