Grosvenor Mine crews have begun underground inspections after receiving approval from Queensland’s safety regulator for the first stage of re-entry.
This marks the beginning of 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.
Grosvenor Mine general manager Shane McDowall said the remarkable progress to get to this stage reflected not only technical achievement but also the extraordinary dedication, ingenuity and adaptability of the people on site.
He said about 50 crew members were on-site on Wednesday in staged deployments underground to gather information about infrastructure, ventilation devices and environmental conditions.
“This marks a significant milestone in our restart journey and is a testament to safety, innovation and teamwork at Grosvenor Mine,” he said.
“Our crews have stepped up in amazing ways – solving problems, adapting technology in innovative ways, and rethinking how we do things underground.
“Queensland Mines Rescue Service has been on site this month to carry out preliminary reconnaissance inspections before this week’s staged deployment where the crews progressed 1,500m underground.
“These are the first of many structured steps to ensure a safe, controlled and phased return.
“Every stage will progress in close collaboration with Resources Safety and Health Queensland and Industry Safety and Health Representatives, with the safety of our people our highest priority - always.”
Mr McDowall said the team had been able to map and model the underground environment from the surface using advanced technology and out-of-the-box thinking.
He said 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.
“This allowed us to see and understand the environment before anyone set foot back inside the mine,” he said.
“These innovations helped provide unprecedented visibility of the underground environment – helping us plan today’s re-entry with confidence and clarity.
“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.”
Some of the innovations include:
- SLAM LiDAR (Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping/Light Detection and Ranging): We used this technology in a new way, lowering it down boreholes to map the underground workings from the surface. It’s helped us 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: We trialled a robodog at Moranbah North Mine as a potential tool to visually inspect Grosvenor Mine safely.
- Drone use: Drones have supported our recovery including 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.
Mr McDowall thanked Cook Colliery, Kestrel, Broadmeadow, Ironbark, Crinum, Aquila and Moranbah North mines for releasing their mines rescue crews to assist in this operation.
He also thanked his team for the ongoing commitment and dedication in reaching this point.
“What’s really stood out for me is our people. They’ve stepped beyond their usual roles, taken on new challenges, and grown in ways that make me incredibly proud,” he said.
“Whether it’s leadership, building new technical skills, or simply pitching in wherever needed, they’ve shown what Grosvenor is all about.
“That team spirit - people from different backgrounds coming together - has been at the heart of our progress. And because so many of our people live in Moranbah, we know how important it is to get this right for the community too.
“Our team will continue to work side by side with the Queensland safety regulator and safety representatives - to ensure every step we take at Grosvenor is safe and considered.”