Moranbah north mine explosion: carbon monoxide levels force closure

A Bowen Basin mine is shut following a ‘likely’ explosion underground caused by high levels of carbon monoxide in the goaf. READ THE LATEST.

Moranbah North mine has been closed after high levels of carbon monoxide levels led to an explosion in the underground mine.

Moranbah North mine has been closed after high levels of carbon monoxide levels led to what Resources Safety and Health Queensland has said was “likely” an underground explosion on Monday.

Moranbah North operator Anglo American activated their action response plan after detecting elevated carbon monoxide readings in the goaf and staff were evacuated safely, according to a spokesperson.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland acting Chief Inspector of Coal Mines Laurie Crisp said they were notified there were high levels of carbon monoxide detected at Moranbah North underground coal mine and as a result the mine evacuated all staff safely.

“Information to date suggests it’s likely an explosion has occurred within the mine,” Mr Crisp said.

“We have issued a directive to suspend re-entry to the mine until the site senior executive can prove there is an acceptable level of risk.

“RSHQ inspectors are on site assisting the operator so they can understand the cause of the event and put relevant controls in place to ensure the safety of staff.”

Anglo American said staff and contractors will be paid as usual until further updates are available.

An Anglo American spokesperson 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”.

“Our next steps are working with Resources Safety and Health Queensland to investigate the incident and to then work towards re-entry and restart once it is safe to do so,” they said.

“All employees and embedded contractors will be paid as usual until further updates are available.

“We will continue to engage with our people and key stakeholders, working closely with RSHQ to determine the next steps.”

Mr Crisp said RSHQ’s number one priority was the health and safety of workers on site.

This comes less than a year after an underground fire put the nearby Anglo American run Grosvenor mine out of commission.

The methane ignition incident on June 29, 2024 was visible for kilometres and blanketed the nearby community of Moranbah in smoke for days.

Grosvenor mine was also the site of an explosion in 2020 which left five workers with horrific burns.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Moranbah north mine explosion: carbon monoxide levels force closure