A serious incident occurred at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, New South Wales, in the early hours of Tuesday. Emergency services responded to reports of two critically injured individuals. Tragically, a man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene. Two women, both in their 20s, were successfully brought to the surface, but sadly, one of them later succumbed to her injuries. The second woman, who sustained minor injuries and shock, was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
Polymetals Resources, the owner of the Endeavour mine since 2023, has temporarily halted all operations at the site. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown. The company’s executive chairman, Dave Sproule, expressed profound shock and sadness, extending deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims.
Fatal mine explosions are a rare occurrence in Australia. According to Safe Work Australia, the last recorded fatality from such an incident was in 2015 in Queensland. Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the event as “absolutely tragic” and highlighted the close-knit nature of the mining community, emphasizing that everyone’s thoughts are with the affected families.
An investigation into the incident will be conducted by the state’s workplace safety authority, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. The Endeavour mine, which operated from 1982 to 2020, was reportedly in the process of restarting operations for silver, zinc, and lead production this year. NSW Premier Chris Minns conveyed his sympathies, calling it a “heartbreaking day” for Cobar and the broader mining industry, and a “sobering reminder” of the importance of workplace safety.