On the evening of Friday 1 October 2010 police received reports of a demolished fence on ‘Smelters Bend’ Lyell Highway Queenstown. It was soon discovered that a Cat AD55 mining dump truck had been driven through the fence and onto the Lyell Highway.

The truck was located further up the Lyell Highway, off road and undamaged. Forensic examinations were conducted on that truck and a Toyota 4WD which had also been removed from site. The Toyota was recovered back on the mine site and was also undamaged.

The mine had only days earlier changed mining contractors and the trucks were parked near Smelters Bend awaiting transfer to other mining operations. The large CAT truck is valued at $1.6 million.

Police would like to hear from any members of the public who have any information in relation to identifying the perpetrators.

Information can be provided to the Queenstown Police Station on 64713020 or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296