QLD MINE DRUG TESTS

A central Queensland coal mine will introduce random drug and alcohol
testing following an agreement between unions and the mine operator.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and North Goonyella mine
operator Thiess this week agreed on procedures for the tests after a series
of meetings before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

Thiess and RAG Australia Coal took over the underground coal mine, 180km
west of Mackay, last month. Thiess state general manager Murray Fox said the
drug and alcohol testing would cover everyone on site, including management.

It is expected randomly selected employees will have to undergo a saliva and
breath test.