Queensland tightens FIFO mine worker movements

The Queensland state government has tightened the number of mine workers travelling from Australia's other states to only those critical to operations to combat the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

Only critical interstate fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mine workers will be allowed into Queensland to protect remote and regional communities and local mine workforces, said Queensland mines minister Anthony Lynham.

Queensland will close its borders from midnight local time on 4 April to interstate FIFO workers unless they are critical to a project's operations, Lynham said.

Queensland last week closed its state borders but exempted interstate mine workers that were deemed essential services.

Western Australia, which together with Queensland represents Australia's two largest energy and mineral exporting states, also limited the travel of FIFO workers from New South Wales to all resource projects in the state.

Queensland exported 225.59mn t of coal last year.

By Kevin Morrison