Anglo American chief executive officer Duncan Wanblad has announced the fire at its Grosvenor coal mine in central Queensland is believed to be extinguished.
In a presentation on the company’s 2024–25 financial year interim results, Wanblad confirmed “gas, temperature and drone monitoring suggest that the fire has now been extinguished.”
“We are developing plans with the authorities to examine the workplace in order to understand the cause and extent of the damage,” Wanblad said.
“Now, having said that, we are unlikely to fully understand the extent of the damage for some time.”
Wanblad said it is unlikely that the longwall re-start will take place under Anglo’s ownership.
The company is currently in the midst of selling its Australian coal assets as the company moves to a heavier focus on copper.
“Considering the relatively high value and quality of that steelmaking coal reserve, we do believe it remains a viable asset and, in parallel to us understanding it we are going to continue with the sale process and move ahead as we had originally planned,” Wanblad said.
“The timing of the fire has added some complexity to that divestment process. But, as I said, after some careful consideration, after good discussions with Dan and the team, and after a number of the potential buyers confirming their interest including the acquisition of Grosvenor, we are going to move on.
“I know that these some of the highest quality steelmaking coal assets in the industry and they are still clearly very sought after.
“I absolutely believe that we will get back on top of an operating routine that allows us to move those longwalls faster.”
The fire at Grosvenor initially broke out on June 29 after a localised ignition occurred on the mine’s longwall face.
All 150 workers underground at the time were evacuated quicky and with no injuries, and work quickly began to seal all the exits in an effort to cut off oxygen to the fire.
Anglo has worked with peak industry bodies and unions to support its workers while the mine is out of action, announcing it will extend pay to August 31 for all employees.
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