Rescue crews searching overnight for two missing miners trapped 125 metres underground in remote Queensland zinc mine have found the vehicle the pair were driving when they fell into a void.
The pair became trapped after a drilling rig fell about 15 meters down a into a void in a stope – a large hole used to extract ore – at the Dugald River mine, 70km northwest of Cloncurry, on Wednesday morning.
The rig operator escaped, but unfortunately, the two workers in a vehicle behind the drill fell as the ground gave way.
The mining company Perenti, the parent company of Barminco, which employs the two trapped miners, confirmed that three employees were involved in the incident.
The drill operator was rescued and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, but the two other Barminco employees remain missing underground.
The rescue team worked through the night and located the miners’ light vehicle, but there’s still no sign of the missing workers, according to the Courier Mail.
“The rescue team have employed the use of drones, void scanning technology and video imagery, and this has enabled them to locate the light vehicle that we believe the two missing employees were driving,” the company confirmed on Thursday morning.
“The rescue team have been working throughout the night, including with the use of heavy underground mining equipment to gain access to the vehicle.”
Managing Director & CEO of Perenti, Mr Norwell, said the skilled mine rescuers are working on a retrieval.
“While the situation is still evolving, we are in contact with the family members of our missing team members and Perenti is providing support to their colleagues and rescue team.
“Everyone at Perenti is feeling the impact of this incident and whilst we hold deep concerns for the safety of our colleagues, we continue to be hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved.”
Mr Norwell earlier said the incident would no doubt impact the close-knit communities nearby.
“Our teams have been operating MMG’s Dugald River mine since 2012 with much of our workforce residing in the local area,” he said.
“I know that a large proportion of the local Cloncurry community either work at the site or know someone who works at the site.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of our two missing colleagues, and with the Cloncurry community.”
“While the situation is still evolving, we are in contact with the family members of our missing team members and Perenti is providing support to their colleagues and rescue team.
“Everyone at Perenti is feeling the impact of this incident and we continue to be hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved.”
“While the situation is still evolving, Perenti is also providing support to family members and colleagues of our missing team members.”
A statement from MMG, which owns the mine 70km northwest of Cloncurry, revealed that operations at Dugald River had been “halted while the search is under way”.
“The site’s emergency response team has been activated and is working closely with Barminco and authorities.
“MMG has extended all available resources and support to Barminco and the Dugald River mine.”
Police and emergency services were called to the underground zinc mine about 1.05pm.
Member for Traeger Robbie Katter described the incident as a “nightmare”.
“This kind of event is obviously the worst nightmare of any mining group and I know there is a lot of anxiety across the community right now.
“We are praying for a good outcome. My major concern is the wellbeing of these two employees and the task at hand to get them back safely to their families.”
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said mine safety inspectors were sent to the site.
“Right now, we are hoping for the best outcome for the two missing workers at Dugald River mine,” he said in a tweet.
“My major concern is the welfare of these workers.”
AWU Queensland Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said the union was in constant touch with members both on and off-site.
“Out of respect to the friends and family of those involved, the AWU will not be making further comments until we have received reports from the (mining) inspectorate,” Ms Schinnerl said in a statement.
“This is obviously a trying time for workers at the Dugald River mine, and our thoughts are with them and their friends and family.”
“We are hoping for a positive outcome for all.”
Dugald River mine processes 1.7 million tonnes of ore per annum, with zinc, lead and silver by-products. It employs about 500 workers, with some based locally and others fly in, fly out.
About 90 per cent of its workforce are Australian nationals.
— With NCA Newsire
Story Credit: news.com.au