Peabody Energy says it has commenced re-entry of Zone 1 of the North Goonyella underground mine near Moranbah.

Carried out in consultation with the Queensland Mine Inspectorate, the activities were part of a comprehensive, phased reventilation and safe re-entry plan for the mine, the company said.

The coal mine was closed after a fire caused by high gas levels during a longwall move in September 2018.

“Following the reventilation of Zone 1 of the mine, our team is ready to return underground and move us yet one step closer to resuming normal operations,” Peabody Australia President George J. Schuller Jr said.

“We appreciate the dedication and participation of our trained employees, as well as the Queensland Mine Rescue Service, as we continue to advance this process.”

The first zone of the mine represents about 25 per cent of the area to be re-entered, and the area expected to be least affected by the incident.

Upon re-entering Zone 1, Peabody said it would assess conditions underground and make any necessary repairs required prior to reventilating Zone 2.

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