Workers have reportedly been given the green light to return underground at Anglo American’s Moranbah North operations in Queensland after an explosion halted operations late last month.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has granted approval for a restricted re-entry to allow essential personnel back into the mine.
The explosion, which resulted in high carbon monoxide levels, led to the evacuation of all workers on March 31. No injuries were reported.
Although production is still halted, the re-entry will enable maintenance and safety inspections to take place.
RSHQ inspectors have been assisting Anglo American on site to determine the cause of the event and ensure relevant controls are in place to ensure the safety of staff.
“The number one priority for our inspectors is always the health and safety of workers on site,” RSHQ acting chief inspector of coal mines Laurie Crisp said.
Anglo American said data indicated a small, contained ignition occurred in the goaf, and that the ignition did not spread to the longwall face.
“We activated our action response plan after elevated carbon monoxide readings were detected in the goaf,” an Anglo spokesperson said.
“Goaf conditions normalised shortly after the incident occurred and remain stable. Monitoring of the underground environment is continuing.”
Anglo announced in mid-April that it is “making progress in relation to the temporary suspension of mining operations”.
“Conditions in the mine normalised shortly afterwards and they remain stable, with data and camera footage showing no evidence of damage,” Anglo said.
“Anglo American is working alongside industry experts and the safety regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, to expedite re-entry into the mine and the subsequent safe resumption of mining operations.”
Anglo has committed to continue paying all Moranbah workers and contractors while the mine is out of action.
The miner is selling Moranbah North, along with three other Bowen-Basin mines, to Peabody Energy in a $5.7 billion deal expected to complete later this year.
“Anglo American continues to work with Peabody towards satisfying the remaining customary conditions in those agreements that are required for completion of the transaction,” Anglo said.
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