The Collie Mail reported that charges have been laid against Lanco Resources' subsidiaries over a char plant explosion in 2008.

The incident saw electrical contract Mr Tony Eames left in a critical condition with burns to nearly half his body after an explosion at the carbonizing plant.

Mr Ralph Beacham, Mr Eames' brother in law, said that Mr Eames required a full skin graft to his back due to the explosion. He added that "His back, arms and fingers were badly burnt. We just have to wait and see how he recovers."

At the time of the explosion, the mine was still owned by Griffin Coal, and charges have been laid against the company and Carpenter Mine Management.

One charge states the miner as an employer at a mine failed, so far as is practicable, to promote and maintain a mine working environment in which that employer's employees were not exposed to hazards and by that contravention caused serious harm to Mr Anthony Eames.

A spokesperson for Lanco told the Collie Mail that the miner is taking legal advice and is unable to comment on specifics.

However Griffin does, however, stress that the incident in question occurred well prior to the company’s acquisition by its current owners and at a time when all operations were carried out and managed by Griffin's former owners.

(Sourced from www.colliemail.com.au)