The Queensland government’s Mines Inspectorate is investigating the incident at the mine near Middlemount, which is part of the wider Capcoal complex.

“Initial reports suggest the water may have been from a nearby surface pit,” Queensland Mine Safety and Health Commissioner Stewart Bell said.

“Anglo American has advised the Mines Inspectorate that no one was injured in the incident.”

An AAMC spokesperson said the incident involved an “increased flow of water” into the mine.

“All employees were successfully evacuated from the mine with no injuries,” she said.

“The safety of all employees and contractors is Anglo American’s number one priority.”

ILN heard the inrush of water was about 1 metre high and engulfed the underground workings.

Three workers were also believed to be in the path of the rapid inundation and were fortunate to escape it according to the source, who wished to remain anonymous.

The Gretley mine disaster in New South Wales claimed the lives of four miners in 1996 after their continuous miner broke into the abandoned Young Wallsend colliery, which instantly flooded the mine in which they were working.

The Grasstree mine had a frictional ignition event in November where methane ignited underground and self extinguished about ten seconds later.