Qld minister defends black lung record

Queensland's mines minister has defended the government's response to black lung disease after hundreds of angry union protesters descended on parliament.

The CFMEU on Wednesday led the protest demanding the government take action to stop the disease, also known as coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

Black lung disease had been eliminated from Queensland for 30 years, until six cases were confirmed late last year, with unions fearing more are likely.

Mines Minister Anthony Lynham told parliament he was "puzzled" by the CFMEU's protest.

Dr Lynham said he'd already ordered an independent review of the state's existing screening systems and coal workers' records had been cross checked against hospital admission data to identify possible unreported cases.

"I commit here, again in this chamber, to act swiftly, in consultation with all parties and to take whatever action is required, through regulation or legislation, to protect the health and safety of our coal miners," Dr Lynham told parliament.

The chronic disease, which causes irreversible lung damage, is caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust.