Clough, who was also a former district inspector of mines, is succeeding industry veteran Gavin Taylor in the role of overseeing safety and health at coal mines throughout the state, Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said.

“The chief inspector of coal mines performs a critical role in administering the standards with which coal operations must comply in Queensland and provides expert technical advice to industry, government and the community,” he said.

“Andrew Clough comes to this position highly qualified and experienced to provide the leadership and address the challenges involved in maintaining our coal industry’s international reputation for safety.”

Clough started his mining career as an underground coal miner in the Illawarra area of New South Wales and until 2005, worked for the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines as a district inspector based in Mackay.

He has also worked as a mine manager in Mount Isa, West Africa and Tasmania, and more recently as general manager at the Broadmeadow coal mine and the North Goonyella coal mines.

“His experience as a mine worker, inspector and manager gives him a deep understanding of the risks faced by workers and the need for everyone in the coal industry to be aware of and vigilant about safety and health issues,” Cripps said.

“Andrew will divide his time between Mackay and Brisbane. He will visit all Queensland coal mines over the coming months, and will continue DNRM’s proud commitment to mine safety and health.”

Queensland’s commissioner for mine safety and health, Stewart Bell, paid tribute to Gavin Taylor, a fifth-generation miner who served as Queensland’s chief inspector of coal mines for 5.5 years.

“Gavin has decided to relinquish the position after a distinguished career in the industry spanning more than 45 years,” Bell said.

“Gavin has shown strong leadership and been instrumental in delivering better training regimes for inspectors, and has been involved with proposed reforms to harmonise mine safety legislation through the National Mine Safety Framework.”

Bell said Taylor’s expertise and standing in the mining industry was also recognised internationally.

“Following the Pike River Mine disaster in 2010, the New Zealand government requested Gavin’s secondment to work there as chief inspector of mines,” Bell said.

“He was also instrumental in helping establish an improved regulatory framework and compliance regime and a new High Hazards Unit responsible for the regulation of New Zealand’s mining and petroleum industries.”