It comes after police raids on Fortescue Metals Group’s Christmas Creek mine yesterday at the request of the iron ore miner.

Marmion said it wasn’t only a police matter, but a safety issue.

“To use or supply drugs on Western Australian mines and petroleum projects is potentially deadly for workers handling massive and often complex machinery,” he said.



“There is absolutely no place for drug use on mine sites or petroleum rigs.



“Safety in any work place is paramount, but in the resources sector it is critical.”

Marmion urged workers to be aware of their employees’ policies on illicit drug use, but also warned companies of their obligations to provide safe workplaces.



“DMP inspectors will continue to work closely with the industry to ensure they establish and maintain the safest working conditions,” he said.



“I’m calling on workers to back their employers, back safety and back their mates.”

DMP Resources Safety division director and state mining engineer Andrew Chaplyn said the raids had the full support of the department.



WA Police confirmed further targeting of illegal substances today at FMG’s Cloudbreak mine.

FMG CEO Nev Power said yesterday that the company was leading an industry wide anti-drug operation in conjunction with the police, as part of its zero-tolerance policy on illegal drug use.

“Illegal drugs do not belong in the mining industry, just as they do not belong in the community, and anyone who uses illegal drugs on a Fortescue site is putting the safety of themselves and their mates at risk, which is unacceptable,” he said.

The move comes after FMG port and rail human resources manager Richard Kinnane was quoted by media outlets as saying the company had a drug problem.

Industry groups the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA and the Australian Mines and Metals Association welcomed the police crackdown.

“Illicit drug is a serious issue, not just due to the significant community impact, but with regards to the resources sector the use of illicit substances and alcohol are critical safety issues,” CME CEO Reg Howard-Smith said.

AMMA said it understood other WA resources employers were actively supporting the police operation.

“It is a testament to the seriousness in which the WA Police Force takes this matter that the state has dedicated considerable resources in remote areas to tackle this issue,” AMMA CEO Steve Knott said.