Moranbah North Coal Mine Shut Down After Detecting High Carbon Monoxide Levels

Incident Overview

On Monday, 1 April 2025, production at the Anglo American-owned Moranbah North coal mine in Central Queensland was halted after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected at approximately 3:00 PM local time. All personnel were safely evacuated without injury following an overpressure event at the longwall face.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) was notified immediately. The mine remains closed pending investigation and consultation with safety authorities on reopening criteria.

Site and Time

The incident occurred at the longwall face of Moranbah North coal mine, located approximately 200 kilometres southwest of Mackay in Central Queensland. The overpressure event and elevated carbon monoxide detection occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on the day shift.

Persons Involved

Personnel

• Approximately 100 workers were present during the day shift when evacuation commenced; all evacuated safely with no injuries reported.

Plant and Task

Site

• Operator: Anglo American
• Location: Moranbah North coal mine, Central Queensland
• Type: Underground longwall coal mining operation

Incident Trigger

• Overpressure event at the longwall face leading to elevated carbon monoxide levels detected by continuous underground monitoring systems.

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Emergency Response

Upon detection of the overpressure event and elevated carbon monoxide levels, an immediate and orderly evacuation of all workers was initiated in accordance with the company’s emergency response plan. All personnel were safely removed from the underground environment. Anglo American notified RSHQ immediately following the incident.

Investigation Underway

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is leading the investigation into the cause of the overpressure event and elevated carbon monoxide levels. Industry safety representatives from the Mining and Energy Union are assisting in evaluating the situation. Reopening of the mine will depend on thorough investigation and consultation with RSHQ and other safety authorities to establish safe operating criteria.

Broader Context

This marks the second significant shutdown for Moranbah North in recent years; the mine faced a similar closure in 2021 due to high gas readings. The incident also occurs amid the ongoing closure of the nearby Grosvenor Mine, which has remained shut following an underground fire in June 2024. Mining and Energy Union National Vice-President Steven Smyth noted that high carbon monoxide levels can signal spontaneous combustion or oxidation events—common indicators used by mines to assess such risks.

In Summary

Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating the cause of the overpressure event and elevated carbon monoxide levels. Workers, contractors or other personnel with information about conditions at Moranbah North prior to or during the incident are encouraged to contact RSHQ on 1300 362 128 or submit a report via the online incident-reporting form at rshq.qld.gov.au.