Workers facing an uncertain future after an underground coal mine fire erupted will continue to be paid until the end of August.
Operators of central Queensland’s Grosvenor mine said on July 5 they were considering redeploying staff to other sites to reduce anxiety created by the blaze.
Authorities have continued to seal ventilation shafts as they battle the Moranbah mine fire which started when methane gas ignited at the weekend.
No one was injured at Queensland’s largest underground coal mine operated by Anglo American.
However, the site—which has 1400 workers—is expected to be closed for months.
In a bid to ease uncertainty, Anglo on July 5 said workers would continue to be paid until August 31.
It marked the third time Anglo had extended a payment deadline for workers.
Anglo’s Australia CEO Daniel van der Westhuizen said it was also looking at potential deployment opportunities available for impacted workers at other Queensland sites as well as New South Wales (NSW) mines.
“This commitment has been made possible through our industry-first working group, which we’ve established with senior representatives from all unions covering our operations in Queensland,” he said in a statement.
“We’ve brought this group together to collaborate, create continuous job opportunities and minimise uncertainty for the workforce affected by this incident.
“Together, these initiatives reflect and reinforce our commitment to providing ongoing certainty for our workforce and ensure safety and stability of Grosvenor.”
Mr. van der Westhuizen said “significant progress” had been made in their battle with the blaze that has burned for almost a week.
He said they had sealed a shaft that was the “last major source of oxygen” for the fire.
A mobile unit powered by a jet engine is also pumping nitrogen into the site.
“This means the mine continues to move to a more stable position,” Mr. van der Westhuizen said.
“This remains a dynamic situation. My thanks and appreciation to everyone for your support in helping us manage this event safely.”
The blaze erupted after a 2020 gas explosion at the same mine left five workers with extensive burns.
Uncertainty had also been caused by Anglo’s decision to sell their Queensland coal mines as part of a major makeover by the London-based mining company after it held off a takeover bid from rivals BHP.
Local mayor—Isaac Council’s Kelly Vea Vea—said the Grosvenor workforce had “been through a lot” but was trying to stick together.
She said the mine was a “vital part of the community’s fabric.”
“It’s essential to recognise the resilience and strength of our community,” Ms. Vea Vea said in a statement.
“Together, we can navigate these uncertain times and emerge stronger on the other side.”
