Tragic Mine Explosion in Australia Claims Two Lives

Tue Oct 28 2025 21:11:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in New South Wales, the first deadly mining incident since 2015, results in the deaths of a man and a woman. Investigations are ongoing as the community mourns the loss.

In a grave incident at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, NSW, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 20s lost their lives in an underground explosion. The tragedy marks the first deadly mine incident in Australia since 2015. The mine's new owners have suspended operations as investigations commence.

Two people have been killed in an underground explosion at a mine in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), the first such incident of its kind since 2015.

Emergency services were called to the Endeavor mine at Cobar, about 700km (435 miles) northwest of Sydney, in the early hours of Tuesday after reports two people had been critically injured.

Police confirmed that a man, in his 60s, was dead at the scene while a woman in her 20s succumbed to her injuries later. Another woman was airlifted to hospital for minor injuries and shock.

Polymetals Resources, which acquired the Endeavor mine in 2023, announced that all operations at the site have been temporarily suspended.

The precise cause of the explosion is currently unknown. The company's executive chairman, Dave Sproule, expressed shock and sadness over this tragic event, extending condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

Mine explosions are infrequent in Australia, with the last fatality occurring in 2015 at a Queensland mine, according to Safe Work Australia.

Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the situation as "absolutely tragic," emphasizing the importance of miners' lives over a mine's output. A report will be prepared for the coroner while an investigation by the state’s workplace safety authority is underway.

NSW Premier Chris Minns offered condolences to the families, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on the Cobar community and the broader mining industry. He noted that safety protocols have improved, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting workers.

The Endeavor mine, which has been operational since 1982, was restarting production under new ownership this year, focusing on silver, zinc, and lead.