Anglo American has reported that its Moranbah North underground coal mine in Queensland is in a stable condition following a recent fire.
The incident, which took place on March 31, saw high levels of carbon monoxide detected in the mine. An Anglo representative confirmed shortly afterwards that no injuries were recorded.
“The underground environment is under continuous monitoring and this indicates a stable atmosphere,” an Anglo spokesperson said at the time.
“All personnel are safe. The health and safety of our people is paramount and an orderly evacuation to the surface was safely completed, according to our action response plan.”
Anglo has now announced that it is “making progress in relation to the temporary suspension of mining operations” at Moranbah North.
“Conditions in the mine normalised shortly afterwards and they remain stable, with data and camera footage showing no evidence of damage,” Anglo said.
“Anglo American is working alongside industry experts and the safety regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, to expedite re-entry into the mine and the subsequent safe resumption of mining operations.”
The update follows Peabody Energy, which is set to acquire Moranbah North and the rest of Anglo’s steelmaking coal business, announcing it was working with Anglo to understand the impacts of the fire at Moranbah North.
“Anglo American continues to work with Peabody towards satisfying the remaining customary conditions in those agreements that are required for completion of the transaction,” Anglo said.
If the deal proceeds according to plan, the transaction will see Peabody take ownership of the Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Aquila and Capcoal operations. The deal is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.
The sale is part of Anglo’s plan to focus on copper assets in South America and iron ore assets in South Africa and Brazil.