Another methane ‘ignition’ at a central Queensland coal mine
Another explosion has occurred at a Queensland mine, this time at the Fitzroy Resources Carborough mine, near Coppabella, where a miner was killed in an incident last year.
Stanmore has struck a deal over the Wards Well coal tenement (file photo)
The Government’s mines inspectorate has confirmed the event occurred on Friday night and called it a frictional ignition in a development area that was not being mined.
“The mine is investigating the incident in accordance with its obligations. All development activities have been suspended,” QMI said.
No workers were injured in this incident, but it follows the serious injuries to five workers earlier this year at an explosion at Anglo Coal’s Grosevenor mine in central Queensland.
The Queensland Mines Inspectorate was on site on Saturday to make inquiries about the incident.
Fitzroy Australia Resources said a localised ignition of methane gas occurred in the rib line of an area that was being developed for future longwall mining.
“The flame was quickly and safely extinguished by the crew in that area of the mine and no personnel were injured,” the company said.
“Initial investigation findings indicate that the flame developed while installing standard strata support. The subsequent controls were in place and effective. T
“The company immediately suspended mining activities in the development panels pending the outcome of an investigation by the company and the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.
