By 3 News online staff
Operations have this morning been suspended at the Huntly East Mine following an inspection.
Labour department has issued mine owners Solid Energy with a prohibition notice after inspectors identified an accumulation of methane gas in a recently-mined area of the underground mine.
Solid Energy Chief Operating Officer Barry Bragg said that the company remains confident that its mines are operating safely.
"The prohibition is on mining at the face of the mine and other work around the mine is not affected.
"The inspectors have asked Solid Energy to provide an urgent report on a gas and ventilation issue identified by the inspectors last night, and to confirm that ventilation is working appropriately throughout the whole mine. Once that assurance is received, it is likely that the prohibition notice will be lifted by the inspectors."
There are no health concerns at this stage.
3 News