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A search and rescue effort has been launched for two miners who fell into a deep hole after a “ground collapse” in the remote Dugald River zinc mine, near Mount Isa in north-west Queensland.
The men were operating a light utility vehicle on Wednesday when it fell down a stope – a large void that contains the ore being mined. The pair are believed to be about 125 metres underground.
Another vehicle, a drill rig, also fell into the stope but the operator was rescued and received medical attention for minor, non-life threatening injuries.
The men are employed by mining company Barminco but the mine is owned by Hong Kong-listed company MMG Limited, which suspended work as the search began for the pair.
The rescue crews were using dronesto establish the size of the stope and the conditions where the men are trapped.
In a statement, the company said the rescue would commence as soon as the crews had analysed the data to ensure the safety of the emergency rescue team.
Mark Norwell, managing director and chief executive of Barminco’s parent company, ASX-listed Perenti, said the rescue team was focused on executing the operation as quickly and safely as possible.
“Our teams have been operating MMG’s Dugald River mine since 2012 with much of our workforce residing in the local area,” Norwell 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.
“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.”
Paramedics said they were assisting other emergency crews after responding to a “ground collapse” at a location near Dugald River at 1.12 pm.
Inspectors from Resources Safety Queensland were also onsite assisting emergency responders.
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The underground mine mainly produces zinc concentrate, with byproducts including lead and silver.
Local state MP, Robbie Katter, said the event was “obviously the worst nightmare” for a mining community and there was a lot of anxiety about the situation.
“We know emergency services are on the ground and we are praying for a good outcome,” he said in a statement.
“My major concern is the wellbeing of these two employees and the task at hand is to get them back safely to their families.”
Australian Associated Press contributed to this report.
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