The New South Wales Resources Regulator has prohibited Wollongong Resources’ Russell Vale Colliery to mine coal due to ongoing safety concerns, reported ABC News. The Mining and Energy Union told the news service that there have been at least five significant frictional ignition events at the underground mine in the past eight months.
“The prohibition notice will remain in place until the Regulator is satisfied appropriate safety measures have been carried out at the site,” the agency said.
The most recent incident occurred on 5 January when excess methane was released through a gas drainage borehole, which led to a fire. No injuries were reported.
Russell Vale is one of the oldest operating coal mines in Australia. It is located below the Woronora Plateau in the Southern Coalfield; a southern extension of the Permo-Triassic aged Sydney Basin.
Source: ABC News