Larger scale open cut mining began in 1936, leading to the complete closure of all underground operations.

Various techniques have been applied to manage and extinguish the fires, including using a GAG jet engine inertisation unit and, on at least one occasion, in January 2004, open cut mining of the burning coal seam.

[5][6][7][8][9] In 1968, the Blair Athol coal field was taken over by two large multinationals, CRA and Clutha Development.

Exploration showed that the township was over the main coal seam, resulting in the relocation of residences to the nearby town of Clermont in the mid-1970s.

[11] Rio Tinto Coal Australia closed the mine in August 2012 because it was nearly exhausted.