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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Cobar is in western New South Wales.\u00a0 (ABC news: Gary-Jon Lysaght\u00a0)<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Workers were in the process of setting up when the unintended initiation of the device occurred,” the regulator said.<\/p>\n
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Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion at the Endeavor mine. (ABC News)<\/p>\n
The regulator has yet to identify the exact cause of the premature detonation.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Work resumes at the mine<\/p>\n Endeavor is one of Australia’s largest mines, producing zinc, silver and lead.<\/p>\n It operated for nearly 40 continuous years until 2020, when it was placed in care and maintenance mode due to lack of profitability.<\/p>\n The mine was acquired by Polymetals Resources in 2023 and brought back into full operation in June this year.<\/p>\n Emergency service crews were called to the mine on Endeavor Mine Road at Cobar. (ABC News)<\/p>\n It employs more than 200 workers, with about 30 on site during the explosion.<\/p>\n Polymetals plans to resume work in the mine in a “staged manner” starting next week.<\/p>\n Tributes flow for the fallen<\/p>\n<\/p>\n