Coal-linked black lung rising
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says a seventh Queensland coal worker has been diagnosed with black lung disease.
It marks the seventh time a worker and their family has received the disturbing news since May last year.
The 55-year-old Central Queensland miner has worked underground for more than 28 years.
The union says it has heard there is an eighth case soon to be announced, and there are a number of other coal mine workers who are waiting on confirmation too.
Over 100 X-rays and CT scans of current and former coal miners have been sent to the US for screening and diagnosis.
A union spokesperson told the ABC late last week that the latest diagnoses are just the “tip of the iceberg”.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham has confirmed that the 55-year-old man’s X-rays confirmed the he has coal worker’s pneumoconiosis.
“This underlines the importance of the five-point action plan I announced in January to help identify and prevent coal worker's pneumoconiosis,” Dr Lynham said in a statement.
“It's critical that government, industry and unions continue our work together to tackle the re-emergence of this disease.”
Dr Lynham said the state would protect the health and safety of coal miners.
“I'd urge any coal miner with health concerns to see their GP,” he said.