Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has revealed the discovery of a case of counterfeit involving heavy duty bearings and components on an undisclosed Queensland mine.

Installation of counterfeit components or components with unknown technical design and manufacturing specifications could pose a risk to plant and mine worker safety should they fail prematurely or catastrophically said Chief Inspector Coal Mines, Jacques le Roux.

Main image – generic bearings

“It was uncovered by an organisation contracted to install bearings and components at a mine who contacted a reputable bearing manufacturer,” said Mr le Roux.

“The supplied bearings were inspected by the bearing manufacturer’s expert, who determined that the products not produced by the company, and illegally marked by the company’s trademark.”

Related: Haul truck slips spark Peak Downs suspension

“The reputable bearing manufacturer could not confirm the technical and manufacturing specifications of the supplied counterfeit bearings.

“Counterfeit products could pose a risk to plant and mine worker safety should they fail prematurely or catastrophically.”

Mines safety & health legislation imposes obligations on coal mine operators, site senior executives, designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant, erectors and contractors, service providers amongst others to ensure the risk to persons from the use of the plant is at an acceptable level, RSHQ said.

RSHQ reminded mine operators to review their obligations imposed by health and safety legislation and ensure procedures are in places to ensure plant supplied is at an acceptable level of risk.

This includes technical specifications for procured items and replacement parts, procurement processes for goods and services, quality assurances process to make sure only goods of an acceptable standard are supplied.

Peak Downs trucks hauling

The Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) directive to partially suspend operations at Peak Downs Mine was lifted on Friday 15 2023, at 7:36pm, said Mr le Roux.

The conditions were met, and the short-term controls have been put in place to ensure the risk is at an acceptable level, he said.

“We’ll continue to work with the mine to ensure the safety of all workers,” he said.

Haul truck operations at Peak Downs coal mine had been suspended under a Resources Safety and Health Queensland directive due to safety concerns.

Related: Haul truck slips spark Peak Downs suspension

Mine operator BMA said two trucks briefly lost traction on the weekend of 9 September 2023 before being brought to a controlled stop in line with training and site procedures.