Inspectorate releases early findings on coal mine fire

The Queensland Mines Inspectorate says it is yet to conduct any interviews with key personnel as investigations continue into events surrounding the underground fire at North Goonyella coal mine last year. "At this time, persons of interest have exercised their right under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 not to be interviewed by the inspectorate unless compelled by law to do so," a new report on the matter states. The details came in a one-page document of preliminary observations released by the Inspectorate, which says it has reviewed more than 11,370 files as part of the investigation. (See the report HERE) Peabody says it has been open and transparent throughout the probe, including providing extensive documentation and interactions. "We have also engaged formally in a number of discussions, briefings, official ICAM investigations, discussions of learnings and ongoing engagements," a company spokeswoman said. She noted that it was the individual’s decision whether to participate in a voluntary interview with the Inspectorate and, based on the way the regulations are structured, an individual may prefer to be compelled to be interviewed to preserve certain legal rights, rather than do so voluntarily. "We are not aware that anyone has been compelled at this time," the spokeswoman said. The Inspectorate's observations noted evidence that some boreholes located deep within the 9N goaf region of the North Goonyella mine were insufficiently sealed, allowing ingress of oxygen into active goaves, with the potential to escalate conditions for spontaneous combustion. The Inspectorate also found evidence to suggest that the gas drainage system was being operated to focus on management of methane instead of the potential spontaneous heating event that was occurring underground and that the mine did not follow its own procedures relating to major ventilation changes. "These are preliminary observations and not conclusive findings. As the mines inspectorate’s investigation continues, we will review these, and other matters arising, in finalising the investigation," the QMI document states. On September 1, 2018, all coal mine workers were withdrawn from the underground workings at North Goonyella coal mine in response to rising methane levels at the longwall and a fire broke out later that month. The Inspectorate started gathering relevant information in November 2018 and formally commenced its investigation in January 2019, after the site was stabilised. "To date, the mines inspectorate has reviewed over 11,370 files, including ventilation records, gas data and the mine’s safety and health management system, including relevant trigger action response plans (TARPs)," the QMI statement said. Peabody says it has worked closely with the Inspectorate throughout the incident and is now reviewing the preliminary observations outlined in their interim report. “The QMI’s observations appear largely aligned with our own Learnings Report released in March 2019, with many actions across nine work streams already implemented at the mine. “These actions include the installation of remote-control ventilation systems at mine entrances, reviews of the mine’s ventilation controls and Trigger Action Response Plan (or TARP) systems, and improvements to the gas monitoring and analysis system with a focus on identifying key indicators of oxidation and heating. “Safety is the company’s first priority, and we will continue to progress actions as we reventilate and re-enter the mine.” View Peabody's Initial Learnings report on the incident HERE

Inspectorate releases early findings on coal mine fire

Industry Queensland

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