An underground coal mine in Queensland has been burning for several days. 

Authorities are responding to a fire at the Grosvenor Coal Mine, near Moranbah, Queensland, which is emitting plumes of smoke and keeping the community on edge.

Reports say efforts to seal the mine are underway, with authorities rushing to close at least six shafts to prevent a possible explosion. 

Anglo American, the mine's operator, says that an exclusion zone has been established to contain any potential fallout. 

A 2020 explosion at the same mine, which resulted in extensive burns to five workers, remains fresh in the minds of residents and workers. 

Crews are reportedly using a truck-mounted unit powered by a MiG fighter jet engine to pump nitrogen into the mine to starve the fire of oxygen. 

Anglo American, in collaboration with Queensland Mines Rescue, Resources Safety Health Queensland (RSHQ), and unions, is working to manage the fire. Environmental health specialists are also on-site, monitoring air quality to assess potential impacts on public health. 

A statement from Anglo American indicated that smoke from the mine is expected to continue for several days. 

“We are actively managing and monitoring the smoke released from the mine’s ventilation shafts and appreciate it may be causing concerns for Moranbah residents,” the company said.

Queesnland’s Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart, announced that a full investigation into the incident will commence soon. He said independent inspectors, including the Serious Incident Investigation Unit from RSHQ, are on-site to support the sealing process and ensure safety.

Anglo American confirmed that the site is currently closed, with only essential emergency services team members present. 

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and Anglo American says it plans to investigate thoroughly once the situation is under control.