The operators of a major Queensland coal mine have warned it will be "months" before the site can re-open after a recent underground combustion.
A fire erupted underground at Grovesnor Mine outside Moranbah, south-west of Mackay, on June 29.
A spokesperson for operators Anglo American said the fire continued to burn today and work progressed on sealing the last ventilation shafts.
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It's understood the mine employs about 1400 workers.
Anglo American CEO Daniel van der Westhuizen said in an internal staff note that the workforce, including embedded contractors, would continue to be paid until July 15.
"We will update on next steps ahead of this date and are working collaboratively with unions around short to medium-term ongoing employment options for our Grosvenor workforce," he said.
"We will engage further with Grosvenor employees once we have a better understanding of the situation."
Mining and Energy Union Queensland President Mitch Hughes confirmed all workers were safe and accounted for.
"We are greatly relieved that workers are safe and there were no injuries or fatalities," he said.
"Of course it's of great concern that this event has occurred.
"MEU ISHRs (industry safety and health representatives) are on their way to the site and will conduct their own independent investigations into what has happened."
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Prior to the accident, Grosvenor was expected to supply about 3.5 million tons of steelmaking coal for 2024, according to Anglo American.
"The mine team is working with specialist teams from the Queensland Mines Rescue Service and the regulatory authorities to extinguish the underground fire, prior to being able to assess the steps towards a safe re-entry into the mine," Anglo American said in a statement.
"These procedures are expected to take several months as a result of the likely damage underground."
There had previously been a methane explosion at the same mine in 2020 which left five people injured.
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