In response to last week’s underground explosion at the Endeavor mine near Cobar, the New South Wales mine safety watchdog has released an alert urging mine operators to reconsider the use of ballistic disc explosives on sites.
The incident occurred on October 28, around 3.00 am, when workers were preparing a ballistic disc explosive device to clear a blockage in the draw point of a stope according to the NSW Resources Regulator.
An unintended initiation of the charge resulted in fatal injuries to two workers and injuries to a third employee.
The regulator has since launched a full investigation, though causal factors have not yet been determined.
It is engaging with manufacturers, suppliers, and mine operators who handle ballistic disc explosives, as well as SafeWork NSW, which licenses the devices. The body has also indicated that the supply or use of these explosives may be restricted if they are found to pose serious safety risks.
Due to the “serious nature” of the incident, the regulator has made several recommendations for mine operators to implement or consider while investigations continue.
Operators are being urged to review risk assessments for explosives on site, assess whether ballistic disc devices are necessary in their operations, and consider alternative methods for clearing blockages.
Polymetals, owner of the Endeavor mine, has announced that operations will recommence at the Cobar site in a staged manner from this week onwards.
Exploration drilling and concentrate transport are expected to resume, alongside the completion of planned statutory electrical works. Personnel will return to work in line with the planned stages, starting from November 5.
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