Emergency responders rushed to a mine on Endeavour Mine Road in Cobar, located approximately 450 kilometers east of Broken Hill, following reports of a serious workplace incident around 3:45 a.m.
Upon arrival, authorities confirmed that a man had tragically lost his life due to an underground explosion.
Two women were rescued and brought to the surface. Sadly, one of them has since passed away.
The other woman, suffering from hearing damage and shock, was airlifted to a hospital for urgent medical care.
Emergency services are still present at the site, ensuring the area is secure and conducting further investigations.
Expressing sorrow over the incident, Minns stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the workers who have tragically died in Cobar today.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the workers who have tragically died in Cobar today,” Minns said.
“This is a heartbreaking day for the Cobar community and will be felt across the entire mining industry.”
Minns said safety was the “number one priority” in any mine.
“Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home,” he said.
“While safety protocols and procedures have greatly improved in mining, these deaths are a sobering reminder of why we need to always remain vigilant to protect workers.”
Police will prepare a report for the coroner and assist SafeWork NSW with the investigation.
Endeavour is a silver, zinc, and lead mine that operated from 1982 to 2020, and which was recently purchased by new owners Polymetals who sought to restart production this year.
