Cobar mine: Explosive device under review after two miners died
Mine operators should reconsider using an explosive device after it caused an underground incident that left two workers dead, regulators say.
A young woman and man were killed by the explosion in the Endeavour mine at Cobar on Tuesday, which experts say appeared to be an avoidable tragedy.
Early investigations conducted by the NSW Resources Regulator have revealed workers were tasked with preparing a ballistic disc device to clear a blockage in the mine’s opening.
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In a release published on Friday, regulators call on mine operators to reconsider their use of the ballistic disc, and look for alternatives.
They also urge mine operators to review their risk assessments regarding the use of explosives on site.
Ballistic disc explosives are designed to allow workers to safely clear blockages, without having to enter unstable areas in order to manually place dynamite charges.
Definitive factors contributing to the incident are yet to be identified, according to the regulators.
They are engaging with all parties involved in the manufacture, supply or use of the ballistic disc devices, as well as SafeWork NSW.
Supply and use of explosives may be prohibited if the regulator finds use of the charges involves a serious risk to the health or safety of people.
The explosion has thrust the sector’s safety systems into the spotlight.
The lead and zinc mine had operated since 1982 but was put into “care and maintenance” mode in 2020.
University of Queensland mining safety expert David Cliff said it was rare for such incidents to occur and he believed it was an avoidable tragedy.
But the professor, who previously served as a health and safety adviser to the Queensland Mining Council, said it was not clear whether the incident was the result of human error, machine failure or premature detonation.
He pointed to several factors, including possible gaps in institutional knowledge with mining operations restarting in 2025 after ASX-listed Polymetals acquired the site in 2023.
Along with its Cobar mine, Polymetals holds two licences in Guinea where it has previously explored for gold.
The site, 40km north of Cobar, is a major underground silver, zinc and lead mine and the second-largest project in the resource-rich region.
