Copyright abc
The mining watchdog has urged mine operators to reconsider the use of a common explosive device used underground, after the premature detonation of one caused the deaths of two mine workers. Patrick "Ambrose" McMullen, 59, and Holly Clarke, 24, were killed by an explosion at the Endeavor underground metals mine near Cobar in Western New South Wales, in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28. According to the NSW Resources Regulator, Mr McMullen and Ms Clarke were working to clear a blockage in a mine cavity using "a ballistic disc explosive device". Ballistic disc explosives are usually detonated remotely, shooting a high-velocity steel slug that shatters rock formations. This allows workers to clear blockages without having to enter unstable areas. "Workers were in the process of setting up when the unintended initiation of the device occurred," the regulator said. The regulator has yet to identify the exact cause of the premature detonation. It said it is working with manufacturers, suppliers, and mine operators who currently manufacture, supply or use ballistic-disc type explosive charges as part of its ongoing investigation. "The regulator may prohibit the supply and use of explosive charges if it believes the use of the charges involves a serious risk to the health or safety of people at a mine site," the regulator said on Friday. It also recommended mine operators rethink the use of this type of explosive, and encouraged the use of "reasonably practicable alternative methods" for clearing blockages. Work resumes at the mine Endeavor is one of Australia's largest mines, producing zinc, silver and lead. It operated for nearly 40 continuous years until 2020, when it was placed in care and maintenance mode due to lack of profitability. The mine was acquired by Polymetals Resources in 2023 and brought back into full operation in June this year. It employs more than 200 workers, with about 30 on site during the explosion. Polymetals plans to resume work in the mine in a "staged manner" starting next week. Tributes flow for the fallen Meanwhile, the Cobar community is still reeling from the tragic loss of life. Flowers and wreaths have begun piling up at the Cobar Miners Memorial, where the names of 171 miners killed in local mines over the past century are listed on a wall of plaques. Residents stopped to remember those who had lost lives in the mining industry just last weekend as part of the town's annual Festival of the Miner's Ghost. In the wake of this latest mining tragedy, residents have placed more tributes at the memorial. Residents told the ABC both victims were deeply embedded in the local community. One resident described Mr McMullen as a "true gentleman" who had a positive impact on many people's lives. Friar Paul Finucane from the St Laurence O'Toole Catholic Church Cobar said the last mining fatality in Cobar was in 2017. "We all hoped it would never happen again," he said. Emergency services worked through Tuesday to recover Mr McMullen's body, which was initially buried in the explosion 700 metres underground. Ms Clarke, who was born and raised in Cobar and had family in the mining industry, was brought to the surface before succumbing to her wounds. Another 24-year-old woman, Mackenzie Stirling, was also injured in the blast. She was brought to the surface alongside Ms Clarke before being airlifted to Orange hospital for treatment. Ms Stirling has since returned home to continue her recovery.
