A methane gas ignition has occurred at the Fitzroy Australia Resources Carborough Downs underground coal mine near Copabella in Central Queensland.
Mine owner Fitzroy Resources has confirmed the ignition occurred in the rib line of a longwall development area on Friday night.
A company spokesman said no one was injured in the “localised” incident. The flame was quickly and safely extinguished by the crew in that area of the mine,” he said.
“Initial investigation findings indicate that the flame developed while installing standard strata support. The subsequent controls were in place and effective.” the spokesperson told AMSJ.
The cause of the ignition is unknown at this stage but Fitzroy Resources said that mining activities had ceased pending an investigation by the Queensland Mines Inspectorate.
The incident follows a fatality at the Carborough Downs mine where miner, 57-year-old Brad Duxbury was killed on 25th November last year.
The latest incident comes as a Mining Board of inquiry is investigating a range of gas-related incidents in Queensland mines including an incident at Anglo American’s Grosvenor mine where five miners received significant injuries.
Public hearings for the Board of inquiry will commence in August and will examine the role of the Inspectorate, the role of the industry and site safety and health representatives, how the management structure and employment arrangements of the mining companies may impact on mine safety, as well as the methane exceedances at Grasstree, Moranbah North and Oaky North mines.”
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