Anglo outlines response after ‘combustion event’

Anglo American has provided an update on the unfolding situation at Grosvenor coal mine, where 'an underground combustion event' sparked an evacuation this morning. A company spokeswoman said a full assessment was underway to determine the potential impact of the incident, involving methane ignition on the longwall face. "We are implementing the necessary process for temporary pre-planned sealing from the surface of the mine according to the site’s safety health management system," she said. "Only essential workers are attending the mine, with all other crew members on full pay for the next seven days while we work to understand the evolving situation. "We will continue to engage with our people and key stakeholders and work with RSHQ to understand the next steps with a view to implementing a safe restart and continued safe operation, at the appropriate time. " A file image of the Grosvenor longwall. She said the site had safely completed a complete and orderly withdrawal from all underground areas following the initial localised ignition event. "The site is closed, with access only by essential emergency service teams," she said. "We offer our appreciation for the ongoing work of the response team at the site, including QMRS and its mobile extinguisher unit (GAG), RSHQ and union representatives." Related: Grosvenor evacuated, reports of underground fire The spokeswoman said Anglo American's employee assistance program had been made available to provide support and counselling to all employees as required. The Anglo American metallurgical coal mine, near Moranbah, was the scene of a horrific accident in May 2020, in which five coal mine workers were seriously injured in an underground gas explosion. A Board of Inquiry was subsequently established to investigate that accident and various high potential incidents involving longwall-related exceedances of methane at Grosvenor mine, Grasstree mine, Moranbah North mine, and Oaky Creek mine. The Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry report tabled in State Parliament in 2021 stated that the Moranbah operation had produced coal at a rate that consistently exceeded the capacity of gas drainage measures at the longwall panel involved. State Resources Minister Scott Stewart said Queenslanders had a right to come home safely from their work and that he expected a full and thorough investigation into this morning’s incident. “Thankfully I’m told there have been no injuries but this (the incident) is obviously concerning,” he said. Image at top of page: The Mining and Energy Union shared this image of smoke billowing from the Grosvenor complex. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/parliament-passes-mining-safety-law-reforms

Anglo outlines response after ‘combustion event’

Industry Queensland

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