Anglo American has suspended production at its Grosvenor steelmaking coal mine in Queensland, Australia. This decision follows an underground coal gas ignition incident on 29 June 2024. All emergency protocols were followed, and the workforce was evacuated safely without injury.
Incident Details
The mine team is currently working with specialist teams from the Queensland Mines Rescue Service and regulatory authorities. Their primary focus is to extinguish the underground fire. These procedures are expected to take several months due to the likely damage underground.
Key Points:
- Incident Date: 29 June 2024
- Location: Grosvenor steelmaking coal mine, Queensland, Australia
- Workforce: Safely evacuated without injury
- Response Teams: Queensland Mines Rescue Service, regulatory authorities
Impact on Production
Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business expected to produce approximately 8 million tonnes in the first half of 2024. Grosvenor was set to contribute around 2.3 million tonnes. For the full year of 2024, the production guidance was 15 to 17 million tonnes. Grosvenor’s contribution was expected to be about 3.5 million tonnes. This figure represents lower production in the second half due to a planned longwall move.
Production Overview
| Period | Total Expected Production (million tonnes) | Grosvenor Contribution (million tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| H1 2024 | 8.0 | 2.3 |
| 2024 | 15 – 17 | 3.5 |
Future Guidance
An update to the steelmaking coal production guidance will be provided once more information becomes available. The impact on the overall annual production will depend on the duration and outcome of the incident response and recovery process.
Conclusion
Anglo American’s response to the incident at the Grosvenor steelmaking coal mine demonstrates their commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. The suspension of production will undoubtedly impact their overall output for 2024. However, the company’s robust emergency protocols ensured the safety of their workforce.