BREAKING NEWS: An underground mine fire is reportedly increasing in intensity at the North Goonyella Mine near Moranbah and an explosion is highly possible. Unofficial reports tonight say that there is a high probability of the fire growing and an explosion is highly probable based on existing gas analysis data. The North Goonyella Mine has been prone to heatings and spontaneous combustion events for some years and a range of recovery actions have been taken several times in the past.

A team of disaster management experts including the Queensland Mines Inspectorate, Professor David Cliff (University of Queensland – Mine Fire Expert), gas chemists and Union Officials have been monitoring the potential of a serious explosion.

Unconfirmed reports say that the mine was sealed with an automated dozer and that it may be six months at least before the mine is re-openned. If the mine was to explode then a recovery may be unlikely. AMSJ have also been advised that all contractors at the site have been stood down.

Peabody Energy have advised that site based officials observed dark smoke coming from the vent shaft indicating a high probability of an underground fire. Staff were withdrawn from mining operations earlier this month however today an exclusion zone has been established in preparation for an explosion in the mine.

Mackay’s Daily Mercury has reported that Isaac Regional Council have confirmed the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) have taken action after residents noticed an “unpleasant odour” from the mine.