Two people are dead, and another is in hospital, after an underground mine explosion in far west NSW.
Emergency services were called to the incident at Cobar, some 450km east of Broken Hill, at about 3.45am on Tuesday 28 October.
Police were immediately told one man had been confirmed dead after the underground explosion.
Two women were then brought to the surface, but one of them passed away shortly after.
The second female was airlifted to hospital suffering hearing damage and shock.
At about 7.15am, police confirmed the deaths and said emergency services remained at the scene.
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee offered his condolences to the family and friends of the pair.
“This tragedy highlights the hazards faced by those working in our industry,” he said.
“It’s a sombre reminder of why the NSW mining industry must never deviate from our commitment to the safety of our workforce as our number one priority.
“The thoughts of tens of thousands of miners across NSW will today be with the families and colleagues of the deceased and injured, and also with the residents of the mining community of Cobar at this extremely difficult time.”
SafeWork NSW will lead an investigation into the incident, with police to also prepare a report for the Coroner.
Copper and gold mining are the two leading employment industries in the region.
The mine is a major underground silver, zinc and lead mine, 40km north of Cobar.
It’s the second largest project in the polymetallic region known as the Cobar Basin.
The mine was acquired by Polymetals in 2023 and planned to restart mining activities earlier this year.
NSW Mineworkers’ Alliance spokesperson Tony Callinan said workers on site were shocked.
“We will leave no stone unturned in identifying what has occurred here,” he stated.
“This is a tragic reminder that underground mining is a dangerous job.
“Events like these send shockwaves through our entire industry.
“This is a reminder why the union always emphasises safety over production.”
- With AAP
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