Inspections Begin at Grosvenor Mine After Year-Long Fire

Queensland’s resources safety regulator has given the green light for the first re-entry at the Grosvenor mine in Moranbah, more than a year after an underground explosion forced miners to flee to the surface. This marks a significant step in the recovery process of one of Queensland’s largest coal mines, located in the Bowen Basin.

A Major Milestone
On Wednesday, a team from the Queensland Mines Rescue Service entered the mine for the first time since the June 30, 2024, incident. Wearing protective gear and respirators, the team conducted preliminary inspections to assess the damage and ensure the mine is safe for future operations. The mine was previously sealed off to starve the underground blaze of oxygen, and parts of it have now been re-ventilated.

Fire and Explosion Details
The fire started when methane gas ignited, leading to an underground inferno that blanketed the nearby town of Moranbah in black plumes of smoke. Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows shut during the crisis. This was not the first time the mine faced such a disaster — a similar explosion in 2020 had seriously injured five workers.

Recovery and Safety Preparations
Anglo American, the mine’s owner, has completed safety preparations, including unsealing the mine shafts. Mine general manager Shane McDowall described the re-entry as a "significant milestone" and emphasized that while staff would return once inspections are complete, mining operations are unlikely to restart immediately.

Challenges Ahead
Jason Hill, a representative from the Mining and Energy Union, noted that while the mine is now open for inspections, a full return to production would take time. One of the key concerns is the deterioration of the lining around the mine shafts, which could pose structural risks. Continuous monitoring and assessments will be required to ensure the mine remains safe.

Financial Implications
Anglo American’s CEO, Duncan Wanblad, revealed that the company is spending $55 million per month to maintain operations at both the Grosvenor and Moranbah North mines, which were also affected by a fire last year. Wanblad stated that the company plans to restart operations at Grosvenor "later this year" and at Moranbah North in 2026.

Peabody Energy’s Role
In November 2024, Peabody Energy entered a $5.7 billion deal to acquire Anglo American’s four steel-making coal mines in Queensland, including Grosvenor and Moranbah North. However, the recent explosion at Moranbah North has raised concerns, with Peabody describing it as a "Material Adverse Change" to the deal. The company is expected to provide an update on its position later this month.

Looking Ahead
While the re-entry of the Grosvenor mine is a crucial step forward, the path to full resumption of operations will be complex and time-consuming. The focus remains on safety, with mine officials and unions working closely to ensure that all risks are mitigated before any large-scale mining resumes.