Two people have been killed in an underground explosion at a mine in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), the first such incident of its kind since 2015.
Emergency services were called to the Endeavor mine at Cobar, about 700km (435 miles) northwest of Sydney, in the early hours of Tuesday after reports two people had been critically injured.
Police said a man, in his 60s, was confirmed dead at the scene and two women, both in their 20s, were brought to the surface; however, one later died. The second woman was airlifted to hospital for minor injuries and shock.
Polymetals Resources, which bought the Endeavour mine in 2023, said all operations at the site had been temporarily suspended.
It did not specify what caused the explosion, but the company's executive chairman Dave Sproule expressed that they were shocked and saddened by the tragic incident and offered condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.
Fatalities from mine explosions are rare in Australia, with the most recent death occurring in 2015 at a mine in Queensland, according to Safe Work Australia.
Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden commented on the tragedy, stating, The most valuable thing to come out of a mine are the miners, and two families don’t get to see their loved ones anymore. He emphasized the close-knit nature of the Cobar community, saying that everyone would be thinking of the affected families.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, and an investigation into the incident will be conducted by the state's workplace safety authority.
The Endeavour mine had been in operation continuously from 1982 to 2020, and the new owners were in the process of restarting mining activities for silver, zinc, and lead production this year.
NSW Premier Chris Minns extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, calling it a heartbreaking day for the Cobar community and highlighting the importance of maintaining vigilance in mining safety protocols.
