The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) 10-man team flew to the US late last week, but were waiting on permission to start fighting the fire with a GAG inertisation unit.
“We said there was no point in our boys waiting around – we’re coming home,” QMRS state manager Wayne Hartley said.
MSHA will reassess the mine in 30 days, and depending on gas levels, may lift the 100-day seal.
“There may be some avenue for negotiation with the authorities in about 30 days time, depending on the condition of the gases,” Hartley said.
Mine owners Consol Energy will carry the costs of taking the QMRS team over to the US.
The QMRS team was called in by Consol Energy specifically for its GAG expertise. The GAG jet engine technology renders an underground mine atmosphere inert by eliminating oxygen through a release of carbon dioxide and water vapor into the mine.
The Buchanan fire started February 14 2005 after a goaf fall sparked a methane ignition and created a localised fire near the longwall. The mine was sealed on February 16.
