**Mining Union Criticizes Fine for Company After Worker Death** A Queensland mining union is expressing concern over an $80,000 fine imposed on Coronado Global Resources, stating it is insufficient to deter unsafe practices in the industry. The fine, along with court costs of $28,572.78, was issued by the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Wednesday following the death of 54-year-old worker Clark Peadon at the Curragh North open-cut mine in November 2021. No conviction was recorded against the company. The fine was levied for breaching health and safety obligations under the Coal Mining and Safety Act 1999. The maximum penalty under this act is $689,250. Mitch Hughes, president of the Mining and Energy Union Queensland district, criticized the penalty, saying, "To sit here and see that they've only been given an $80,000 fine for someone's life is pretty inadequate in our view." Data from the Queensland government indicates that seven coal mine workers have died in the state over the past five years. Hughes emphasized the need for increased penalties to deter companies from compromising worker safety. He stated, "If the government and the minister and the regulator want to do something about deterring companies from putting workers in unsafe situations, then that's probably a good place to start, is looking at increasing the penalties that are available." At the time of the incident, Peadon was performing cable relocation work when he was crushed by a dragline shoe. In response to the tragedy, Coronado has invested $5 million in developing a Proximity Awareness System (PAS), designed to prevent similar accidents. This system employs three sensing technologies—optical, light detection and ranging, and radar—to create detection zones around the dragline, automatically halting operations if a person is detected nearby. Currently, the system is installed on three of the four draglines at the site, with plans to install it on the fourth next year. The company has also reviewed and updated its safety procedures since the accident. However, Hughes noted that while some safety improvements have been made, further action is necessary. He remarked, "We have sadly still seen fatalities occur. The work to improve health and safety for all coal mine work has never stopped. We've obviously got to look at these investigations and determine some outcomes to prevent them happening again." Coronado Curragh has operated the Curragh North mine for seven years, employing 400 workers and 2,000 contractors. The mine has a history of safety incidents; another worker, Donald Rabbit, 33, died in January 2020 after being trapped by a heavy falling tire and rim. Initially, Coronado Curragh and mining contractor Thiess faced charges related to that incident, but those charges were later dropped. As the industry continues to grapple with safety concerns, union leaders are calling for more stringent measures to protect workers in Queensland's coal mines.