Two people were killed in an underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, New South Wales, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, marking the first such fatal incident in Australia since 2015. The explosion occurred in the early hours of the morning, prompting an immediate emergency response and suspension of operations at the site.
Emergency services rushed to the remote mining location, approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Sydney, after reports of critical injuries. Police confirmed that a man in his 60s died at the scene, while two women in their 20s were brought to the surface. One of the women succumbed to her injuries shortly after, and the other was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries and shock, including hearing damage.
Polymetals Resources, the company that acquired the Endeavor mine in 2023 and had recently resumed operations, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In response, all mining activities were temporarily suspended, and the company requested a two-day trading halt on its shares. The cause of the explosion remains undetermined, with investigations led by the state’s workplace safety authority underway.
The Endeavor mine has a long operational history, running continuously from 1982 until it was idled for maintenance in 2020. Polymetals restarted production earlier this year, focusing on silver, zinc, and lead extraction. The mine features a 7-kilometer decline and a 300-meter shaft, underscoring the complexity of its underground infrastructure.
Local officials, including Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden, described the incident as “absolutely tragic,” highlighting the tight-knit nature of the mining community and the profound loss for the families involved. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns extended condolences and emphasized that while safety protocols in mining have significantly improved, the deaths serve as a sobering reminder of the need for constant vigilance to protect workers.
This event represents the first deadly mine explosion in Australia in nearly a decade, with the previous fatality recorded in 2015 at a Queensland mine. The tragedy has sparked concerns about workplace safety in the mining industry, a cornerstone of Australia’s economy. Investigations will focus on identifying the blast’s cause and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
The broader implications include potential reviews of safety standards across the sector, as rare as such incidents are, they underscore the inherent risks of underground mining. The community and industry are united in mourning, with efforts centered on supporting the affected families and ensuring a thorough inquiry to uphold worker safety.