The annual MINEX awards are run by the Minerals Council of Australia and help the industry reinforce its commitment to the safety and health of its workforce.

“Pajingo’s distinguishing features are its mature safety culture based on a systematic approach to operational risk management; empowerment and engagement of its employees; training; and the adoption of best practice,” said Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Mitchell Hooke.

“It is impressive that this is based on a Social Licence to Operate standard and a Health Safety Environment Community risk management strategy that is well understood.”

Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Rail in Western Australia was highly commended. Pilbara Rail transports about 134 million tonnes of iron ore annually from seven mines to four unloading facilities for shipment: two at Dampier and two at Cape Lambert.

Judges noted that Pilbara Rail had regular auditing of a structured safety and health management system, and integrated risk management into all activities.

Two coal mine sites were also acknowledged – Roche Thiess Linfox’s Yallourn mine in Victoria and Xstrata Coal’s Bulga operations in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales.

At Yallourn, the judges were impressed by “significant achievement in safety and health, performance driven by leadership and commitment at all levels of the operation, at a time of organisational change”

At Bulga, the judges recognised the company’s leadership “which actively seeks a strong safety culture strengthened by a high level of commitment at all levels of the operation, and an improved safety performance”