Queensland coalmine fire a ‘disaster’ for climate say environmental groups

The fire at Anglo American's Grosvenor coalmine in Moranbah broke out after methane ignited

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Conservation groups say a fire that has been burning since Saturday at an underground coalmine is Queensland is an environmental disaster" that highlights the risks of methane gas to workers, community health and the climate.

The fire at Anglo American's Grosvenor coalmine in Moranbah broke out after methane ignited on the longwall coalface. It was still burning on Tuesday.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup