OPERATIONS at the Integra longwall coal mine near Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley have been suspended following concerns related to elevated methane levels.
The NSW Government ordered the shut down late on Wednesday to eliminate any danger to mine workers.
NSW Resources and Energy Minister, Chris Hartcher, said his department was made aware of unsafe methane levels and issued a notice to the operator, Vale Australia, to immediately cease all operations and evacuate all personnel from the Hunter Valley mine.
“Prohibition and Investigation Notices have required the operators of the mine to cease work until further notice to allow time to fully investigate the circumstances at the mine,” he said in a statement.
“I have been informed that whilst the mine is currently idle, certain essential employees have been permitted to enter the mine for inspections and pumping operations.”
The Department is working with the operator, the CFMEU Industry Check Inspector, the mine Occupational Health and Safety Committee and Site Check Inspector to investigate and resolve allegations of health and safety issues at the mine and restore the mine to full operations.
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