Investigations continue on the site of a mine explosion

A forensic investigator has joined the Queensland Mines Inspectorate (QMI) team on site at Grosvenor Coal Mine as part of the ongoing investigation into the gas ignition event that caused burns injuries to five miners. Four miners remain listed as ‘critical’ and are being treated the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Two of them are aged 51, another 43 and another 45 year-old. A fifth injured miner aged 44-years old is listed as being in a ‘good’ condition. The explosion happened underground on the site near Moranbah on Wednesday afternoon. The QMI investigation team will remain on site over the weekend to progress the investigation into the nature and cause of the incident. The mine operator Anglo American is continuing to monitor and analyse the atmosphere underground and is undertaking the risk assessment for a safe re-entry of the mine. QMI will comprehensively review the finalised risk assessment upon completion. Safety of workers was paramount and mine operations remained suspended and will not commence until it is safe to do so, said QMI in a statement. Meanwhile, mines owner Anglo-American said their priority was the care of the five miners, their families and the team at the mine. They were are continuing to provide all the support they could to the families said CEO of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Tyler Mitchelson. “Our recovery team at Grosvenor are continuing to work step by step through the risk assessment and planning for safe re-entry of the mine, to be able to commence our expert investigations," Mr Mitchelson said. “When it’s safe, we first need to reconnect power underground to be able to recommence the pumping of excess water from the mine. “Our focus right now is supporting our injured colleagues and their families, and the work required to commence the investigation. We will not resume mining until we are satisfied that we know exactly what happened and how we can avoid it happening again. “Yesterday we advised our coal mine workers rostered to work this week that they can return home on full pay. Only those who are essential to the recovery work remain on site. “I want to acknowledge the outpouring of support from the close-knit mining community during this terrible time" More than $124,000 has been raised for the injured miners and their families in a go fund me campaign. That's increased by more than $40,000 since midday yesterday. Organisers and set a goal of $20,000.

Investigations continue on the site of a mine explosion

Industry Queensland

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