On 16 July 1986 at approximately 11:05am, an explosion at the No. 4 Moura mine in central Queensland killed twelve miners who were extracting pillars in the main dips section. Their bodies were recovered on 23 July after an extensive recovery operation.

In accordance with section 74 of the Coal Mining Act (1925) an inquiry was held to investigate the incident with emphasis on determining the reasons for the incident. The report stated that there were a number of factors contributing to a dangerous working environment, which in turn led to the ignition of the safety lamp and the subsequent explosion.