A fire at Perilya's Southern Operations mine has sparked concerns about worker safety and the use of the ground stabilizing chemical polyurethane, known as PUR1.

The incident occurred about 980 meters underground, when the chemical self-heated and ignited while miners were using it to prevent rock wall erosion on January 12.

The fire was extinguished and then reignited before being fully put out.

The New South Wales Resources Regulator is investigating the cause of the fire.

Their preliminary investigation found no immediate breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act, but they recommended the mine operators review their chemical manifest.

The regulator is considering whether additional controls are required across the mining industry, but will not be conducting further investigation into non-compliance issues or prosecutorial action.

The miner's union is advocating for stricter regulations on PUR use in mineral-producing mines, as workers fear potential long-term health problems resulting from the fire.

An information sheet from the mine site indicated that combustion of the chemical could release toxic carbon monoxide fumes, acrid smoke, and potentially explosive mists.

Although there were no reported injuries, workers reported fumes and vapor when using the substance and retreated to fresh air bases, but evacuated when the fumes did not subside and the area caught alight.

Some workers have reported feeling unsteady.

The Mine Workers Alliance has started a register for workers potentially exposed to the fumes.

This will create a log in case health complications arise in the future.

According to a mining occupational health and safety expert, PUR can ignite if not mixed properly, reaching temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius.

Prior to the fire, some workers were told that PUR was not combustible, which is raising concerns.

The union is calling for industry-wide safeguards, noting that PUR is more heavily regulated in the coal industry compared to mineral mines.

They have contacted the NSW Natural Resources Minister to advocate for legislative changes and adopting best practices from other sectors to better protect mine workers