Drones are being used in a desperate search for two missing miners after they fell into a hole at an underground mine site in outback Queensland.
Key points:
- MMG Limited says two miners, employed by Barminco, fell down a hole at the Dugald River mine north-west of Cloncurry this morning
- Mining operations have been suspended while search and rescue efforts are underway
- Dugald River is an underground mine that predominantly produces zinc concentrate, and employs about 500 people
The men are believed to have been operating a utility vehicle that fell down a 25-metre void in a previously filled stope — a cavernous, void-like structure from which ore is extracted.
The accident happened at 8.45am at MMG Limited’s Dugald River underground mine site, located 70 kilometres north-west of Cloncurry in north-west Queensland.
A drilling rig behind the utility also fell into the hole, however the operator of the rig was able to escape and was later rescued.
The ABC understands the operator is in a stable condition.
General manager of MMG Limited Tim Akroyd gave a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
He said the incident occurred 125 metres below the surface and that emergency crews were using drone technology to investigate the stability of the environment before sending rescue services in.
“We expect the rescue teams to start with their operations once we can analyse the data collected and are comfortable with the next steps,” he said.
“We will provide more details as they become available and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine what led to this incident.”
Operations at Dugald River have been halted while the search for the men is underway.
The Queensland Ambulance Service arrived at the mine site about 2:30pm.
Barminco, which employs the miners, is an underground mining services company.
Perenti, the parent company to Barminco, said it was providing support to family members.
“The site emergency response team has been activated and Barminco is working with MMG and relevant authorities,” a statement read.
“While the situation is still evolving, the team is also focused on providing support to family members and colleagues.”
The Dugald River mine predominantly produces zinc concentrate, with by-products including lead and silver, and is an underground mine wholly owned by MMG Limited.
The mine employs an estimated 500 employees and contractors in a mix of fly-in, fly-out and local residents.
Community ‘praying for a good outcome’
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said his main concern was the welfare of the two men.
“Right now we are hoping for the best outcome for the two missing workers at Dugald River mine,” he said on Twitter.
State Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said there was a lot of anxiety in the community following the incident.
“This kind of event is obviously the worst nightmare of any mining group,” he said.
“We know emergency services are on the ground and 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.”
In a statement, Queensland state secretary for the Australian Worker’s Union Stacey Schinnerl said she was “hoping for a positive outcome for all.”
