North Goonyella Mine Fire 11th October 2018. “It is believed that GAG back pressure will increase – already nearly at maximum limit of GAG operations; Mine assessing options if cannot continue with GAG operation down bleeder shaft”

MRE – North Goonyella – 11.10.2018.pdf

Today, 11 Oct 2018 1, Inspector Les Marlborough, accompanied by Deputy Chief Inspector Shaun Dobson attended a meeting at North Goonyella Mine to discuss the status of the spontaneous combustion event at North Goonyella Mine and the subsequent mine evacuation. The meeting was held at the North Goonyella accommodation village in the IMT Room.

Meeting

Attending the meeting was;

Mr John Anger, SSE,

Mr Peter Baker, Peabody VP Operations;

Mr Nev Impson, Compliance Manager;

Mr Ray Smith QMRS;

Mr John Fitzpatrick, Shift Supervisor;

Mr Mike Carter, SSE Millennium;

Mr Joshua Cook, Graduate Mining Engineer;

Mr Dennis Black, Ventilation Officer.

In addition, the meeting was joined by video/telephone conference by;

Mr John Anger, SSE;

Mr David Cliff;

Mr Darren Brady, Serinus;

Mr Martin Watkinson (SIMTARS).

Last 24 Hours

• GAG ran all night. Installed 4 “cool tubes” to try to assist during heat of day. Report of a hot spot on the engine, QMRS examined this and do not need to shut the machine down. GAG running with 2.6 kPa back pressure and slowly increasing, Approaching its maximum limit. When asked, Ray Smith (QMRS) stated that the GAG should still be putting out 25 m3/s but this is not measured.

Hole 2705 (TG Chute Road) reamed to 334m.

• Hole 2709 (TG Chute Road) Only drilled 2.1 m on NS. Issues with drill rig. o Hole 2708 (MG Chute Road) drilled to 36m.
• 4 new monitoring points established; 8 CT c-D; 32 CT G Hdg; 31 CT A-B I-Idg; 9N

10.5CT;

• Borehole monitoring changed to 6 hourly due to amount of samples being taken;
• RA completed for accessing Tube Bundle Hut (13 m inside exclusion zone);

Emergency sealing earthworks continuing;

 Heat readings taken using drone – no anomalies shown; Radon survey continued 107 cups installed.

Next 24 Hours

 GAG – prep road for engine change out. Change out will commence Friday. It is believed that GAG back pressure will increase – already nearly at maximum limit of GAG operations; Mine assessing options if cannot continue with GAG operation down bleeder shaft. Continue sampling regime;

• Reviewing Floxal strategy, o Continue drilling for LW containment. Should start Rocksil plug in MG Chute Road DS; Gas Flare maintenance work; Continue Radon survey; Relocate SIMTARS lab and re-establish Tube Bundle hut if possible;

Discussion

It was noted that hole 1946 (LWTG Goaf Edge) and 2701 (MG Chute Road) were both breathing out. 2704 (TG Road outbye face) breathing in, MG 9N 25 CT breathing in. 2703 (LW 2 CT) while being sealed was breathing in strongly.

We discussed the gas results. I raised some minor changes that the Mine should investigate, namely;

36 CT – Oxygen increased to 11.69% 1 1/10 03:41 ;

, GN1946 (LW TG Goaf Edge) C02 jumped up to 4.9% 11 Oct 04:04;

 GN2695 (LW Goaf MG side of MG Chute Road) Nitrogen dropped from 37% to 7% 10 Oct 17:25;

2700 (TG Chute Road Goaf Edge) Oxygen seems to be rising since 10 Oct and methane falling; o H9

Shaft Oxygen rose to 4.6% 10 Oct 08:55 and stayed at that level;  H9 Shaft Nitrogen rose 6% to 72.8% on 1 1 Oct at 03:06.

We had discussion regarding back pressure and where GAG gas was going and what could be causing the restriction and the back pressure. if gas going out MGION conveyor road.

D Black stated that there was vehicle doors at the outbye end that had been installed one opening in either direction in preparation for a future ventilation change. These doors were partly open, being used as a regulator and allowing 40 m3/s air through them.

I advised the Mine that Inspector Rob Sherwood would attend the Mine on Friday 12