Investigations into the explosion at the underground Endeavor mine remain ongoing, with owner Polymetals pledging its continued support for its employees in the wake of the incident.
Emergency services were called to the mine in Cobar, New South Wales, at about 3.45am October 28, after being told two people had been critically injured in a workplace incident.
When officers arrived on scene, they were told a man had been confirmed to have died after the underground explosion.
Two women were brought to the surface; however, one has since died. The second woman was airlifted to hospital suffering hearing damage and shock.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner and assist the NSW Resources Regulator in its investigation.
Following the incident, Polymetals issued a letter to the ASX announcing a halt in trading, which is expected to last until October 30.
Polymetals executive chairman Dave Sproule said the company is “shocked and saddened by the tragic incident at Endeavour”.
“Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the [employees’] families, friends and colleagues,” Sproule said. “We will continue to support all our people, family and friends as we navigate through this difficult time.”
There were about 30 people working the night shift when the explosion occurred, Sproule told the ABC.
“This was standard mining operations, other than that I am not in a position to comment until the police have conducted their own investigations,” he said.
“Suffice to say we had some very experienced people in the mine at the time.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the impact of the incident will be “felt across the entire mining industry”.
“The number-one priority in any mine must be safety,” 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.”
NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer Stephen Galilee echoed those sentiments.
“[This] is a sombre reminder of why the New South Wales mining industry must never deviate from our commitment to the safety of our workforce as our number one priority,” Galilee said.
The NSW Resources Regulator confirmed it was investigating the incident, with emergency services still on the scene.
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