‘serious risk’ |
Patrick ‘Ambrose’ McMullen, 59, from Cootehill in Cavan and his colleague Holly Clarke, 24, were killed after the premature explosion of a “ballistic disc explosive device”
Patrick ‘Ambrose’ McMullen
A MINING watchdog in Australia has urged mine operators to reconsider the use an explosive device used underground which caused the deaths of an Irish worker and his colleague in New South Wales this week.
Patrick ‘Ambrose’ McMullen, 59, from Cootehill in Cavan and his colleague Holly Clarke, 24, were killed after the premature explosion of a “ballistic disc explosive device” while working in the Endeavor metal mines near Cobar in New South Wales on Tuesday.
Mr McMullen, who was known as ‘Ambie’ to friends, left Ireland in the 1980s to go travelling and settled in Australia where he has lived with his family ever since.
The New South Wales Resources Regulator said Mr McMullen and Ms Clarke had been working to clear a blockage in a mine cavity using a “ballistic disc explosion device” which are usually detonated remotely shooting high velocity steel slugs into rocks, ABC News reported.
“Workers were in the process of setting up when the unintended initiation of the device occurred,” the regulator said.
The exact cause of the premature detonation has yet to be confirmed.
Patrick ‘Ambrose’ McMullen
News in 90 Seconds – Saturday November 1
The regulator said it was working with manufacturers, suppliers and mine operators who work with the devices as part of its investigation.
“The regulator may prohibit the supply and use of explosive charges if it believes the use of the charges involves a serious risk to the health or safety of people at a mine site.”
The regulator also recommended mine operators rethink using this type of explosive and encouraged using “reasonably practicable alternative methods”.
Mr McMullen previously played football for Cootehill and his death has shocked the area.
In a tribute posted online, Cootehill Chamber said: “Ambie was well known and fondly remembered in our community, and his untimely passing has deeply saddened all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this heart-breaking time.”