An underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, New South Wales (NSW), has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, marking the first such incident in the region since 2015. Emergency services responded in the early hours of Tuesday after reports emerged of critically injured personnel at the mine, located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Sydney.
Upon arrival, police confirmed the death of a man in his 60s at the scene. Two women in their 20s were evacuated from the site; one later succumbed to injuries, while the second was transported to a hospital with minor injuries and shock. The mine’s current owner, Polymetals Resources, announced the suspension of all operational activities at the site.
Polymetals has not disclosed the cause of the explosion. Company executive chairman Dave Sproule expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased workers. Mine explosions resulting in fatalities are uncommon in Australia, with the last reported incident occurring in Queensland in 2015.
Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden addressed the significance of the event, highlighting the close-knit nature of the community and its impact on residents as they mourn the loss of two individuals.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, and NSW’s workplace safety authority is set to investigate the incident. Historically, the Endeavor mine operated continuously from 1982 until 2020, with current efforts aimed at resuming activities focused on the production of silver, zinc, and lead.
NSW Premier Chris Minns offered condolences to the families and community while acknowledging the tragedy’s impact on the broader mining sector. He emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance regarding safety protocols, noting that while improvements have been made, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with mining operations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy5ez34yezo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss