Production operations resume at Isaac Downs coal mine

Operations have resumed at a major Qld mine less than 24 hours after the resources safety watchdog flagged potential risks and brought all production to a halt.

Operations have resumed at a Bowen Basin mine less than 24 hours after the resources safety watchdog flagged potential risks, suspending all production.

Operations have resumed at a Bowen Basin mine less than 24 hours after the resources safety watchdog flagged potential risks, suspending all production.

The Resources Safety and Health Queensland gave the order to shut down production operations at the Isaac Downs coal mine amid concerns for workers’ safety at 3pm April 17.

A RSHQ spokeswoman said “the suspension will remain in place until the mine can demonstrate that operations can recommence at an acceptable level of risk to workers”.

It is understood the mine, owned by Stanmore and operated by the Spanish owned EPSA, had failed to meet safety directives.

An estimated 300 workers are employed at the Isaac Downs mine, which is a part of the larger Isaac Plains Complex and produces between about 1 and 4 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per year.

The Isaac Downs mine, roughly 145km southwest of Mackay, was approved for construction in 2021 with an estimated lifespan of 16 years and delivering an expected 35 million tonnes of coal over that period.

Stanmore and EPSA were contacted for comment. On Friday Stanmore chief operating officer Leandro Pires said all mining operations had resumed at 9am.

Isaac Plains coal mine. Photo: Emily Smith

“EPSA, as the Isaac Plains Complex CMO received a directive from the Mines Inspectorate on 17/04 at 3pm to cease all mining activities related to S55 – management structure,” Mr Pires said.

Section 55 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Act relates to the management structure for safe operations at coal mines.

Under this all coal mine site senior executives must develop and maintain a management structure for the coal mine in a way that allows development and implementation of the safety and health management system, and document the management structure.

“Subsequently, EPSA resubmitted S55 providing a reviewed management structure with evidence of the relevant competencies for each incumbent.

“We confirm, the directive was satisfied/closed and mining operations resumed at 9am this morning.

“Stanmore will continue to work with EPSA in order to improve the SHMS and ensure the safety of our operations.

This comes just weeks after the Moranbah North mine was closed due to a “likely” underground explosion.

Moranbah North operator Anglo American evacuated staff on March 31 after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected.

An Anglo American spokesman said the explosion did not extend to the longwall face, and following the ignition goaf conditions “normalised shortly after the incident occurred and remain stable”.

EPSA and Stanmore have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Production operations resume at Isaac Downs coal mine