Anglo American closes Grosvenor mine for ‘months’ after underground fire

Mining giant Anglo-American had to halt production at its Grosvenor steel plant in Queensland following an underground fire over the weekend.

No injuries were reported and all workers were safely evacuated, but it is expected to take “several months” to resume operations following a “coal gas ignition incident.”

Grosvenor is expected to contribute 3.5 million tonnes of coal to steel production in 2024, to Anglo’s total output of 15-17 million tonnes, but the company said it would keep the market updated with guidance “as more information becomes available”.

“The mine team is working with specialist teams from the Queensland Mines Rescue Service and regulators to extinguish the underground fire before steps for a safe return to the mine can be assessed,” Anglo said in a statement.

“Due to the expected damage to the subsurface, these procedures are likely to take several months.”