‘One spark can kill’: Watchdog warns over risks of rise in contraband in coal mines

Six incidents in recent months have heightened concerns with calls for closer scrutiny.

Queensland's mine safety watchdog has sounded the alarm after a spike in dangerous contraband — including vapes — being taken underground at coal mines, warning that even a single spark could trigger a deadly explosion.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) confirmed six contraband incidents across different underground coal mines in the past five months.

Two involved workers who don’t wear mining lamps allegedly using vapes underground — a sharp jump after more than a decade without a single reported case.

Chief Inspector of Coal Mines Jacques le Roux says the trend is deeply concerning, given the risks posed by ignition sources in methanerich environments.

“One spark can kill,” he said.

“Underground coal mines may contain methane gas and combustible coal dust. Any ignition source can trigger a fire or explosion.”

The regulator has issued a statewide safety alert, reminding workers that vapes, ecigarettes, lighters, matches, smoking materials, mobile phones, smart watches, digital watches, electronic car keys and any device capable of creating a flame, spark or arc are banned underground.

Testing by RSHQ’s scientific arm, SIMTARS, shows vapes can reach more than 250C, with damaged or overheating devices capable of generating more than 100 times the energy needed to ignite gas in an underground mine.

SIMTARS executive director Kerri Melkersson says many workers underestimate the danger.

“Many think ‘it’s only a vape’ but the dangers are very real,” she said.

RSHQ is urging workers to check pockets and bags before going underground and calling on mine operators to tighten search procedures and review contraband controls.

Investigations into the recent incidents are ongoing.