Grosvenor prepares to reopen

Crews have begun underground inspections for the first stage of re-entry at Anglo American’s Grosvenor coal mine in Moranbah, Queensland.  

After receiving approval from Queensland’s safety regulator, the company has begun a staged and carefully managed re-entry process, following the successful completion of initial mine re-ventilation activities and key safety preparations in early August. 

Anglo American Grosvenor mine general manager Shane McDowall says about 50 crew members were on-site as part of staged deployments underground to gather information about infrastructure, ventilation devices and environmental conditions. 

“This marks an important step forward as our crews safely re-enter Grosvenor Mine to begin recovery works,” he said. 

“Our recovery journey to this point has been defined by a safety-first mindset and a commitment to ensuring every step we take is safe and considered. That will continue each and every day as we move forward.”  

The team has been able to map and model the underground environment from the surface using advanced technology and out-of-the-box thinking. 

One of the innovative tools used was a LiDAR torpedo fitted with cameras and atmospheric sensors, which was lowered through surface boreholes to inspect infrastructure, conduct damage assessments and monitor the atmosphere underground. 

“These innovations provided unprecedented visibility of the underground environment – allowing us to plan today’s re-entry with confidence and clarity before anyone set foot below ground,” Mr McDowall said. 

 Some of the innovations used include: 

• Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping/Light Detection and Ranging (SLAM LiDAR): This technology was used in a new way, lowering it down boreholes to map the underground workings from the surface. It’s helped the team inspect infrastructure and conduct any damage assessments while monitoring the atmosphere underground. Handheld SLAM LiDAR may also be used to map underground workings post mines rescue reconnaissance. 

• Robot trial: The company trialled a robodog at Moranbah North mine as a potential tool to visually inspect Grosvenor mine safely. 

• Drone use: Drones have supported the recovery of high-resolution imagery and videography, methane detection, thermal imagery and airborne LiDAR. 

• Laser scanning: High-resolution laser scanning of critical surface infrastructure for modification and fabrication for shaft ducting and fan installations, a critical part of the re-ventilation process. 

“Now we are working to validate the conditions indicated by our remote sensors with direct visual inspections as we work to recover the mine safely,” Mr McDowall said. 

“About 50 crew members went underground in eight staged deployments today to gather information about infrastructure, ventilation devices and environmental conditions.” 

“We will continue to work in collaboration with Queensland Mines Rescue Service, Resources Safety and Health Queensland and industry safety and health representatives, to ensure safety remains our highest priority at every stage of recovery.”