Peabody Provides Operational Update On Fire In North Goonyella In Queensland

(RTTNews) - Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU) announced late Sunday operational update on North Goonyella Mine in Queensland regarding the ongoing fire. The company said it has developed a multi-tiered plan in an effort to extinguish the fire and contain the impacts.

The plan was reviewed by the Queensland Mine Inspectorate and is undergoing implementation at this time.

The company's plan includes implementing use of a mobile GAG unit, a specialist piece of equipment that generates high-moisture inert gases to displace oxygen supply at a fire zone. The company also plans to install temporary seals into mine openings following completion of risk assessments and utilizing remote-control equipment to pump a fire-resistant expandable material called Rocsil, among other things.

Peabody said the underground mine and surface areas remain restricted to access through exclusion zones while the work continues.

The company noted that the fire is ongoing, and it is too early to assess the extent of impacts. Peabody continues to work closely with landholders and neighbors and others to ensure stakeholders have access to up-to-date information about the continuing situation.