Experts Predict Lengthy Investigation Into Cobar Mine Explosion That Killed Two Workers

Introduction
Investigators and industry experts say it could take months — or even longer — to determine what caused the fatal underground explosion at the Endeavor Mine near Cobar, which claimed two lives and left the tight-knit western NSW community reeling. The tragedy has again drawn attention to mine safety standards and the challenges of regulating complex underground operations.

Details of the Explosion
Emergency services were called to Polymetals’ Endeavor Mine, north of Cobar, about 3:45 am on Tuesday following reports of a blast underground. A man in his 60s died at the scene, while two injured women were brought to the surface. One woman later died from her injuries; the other remains in hospital suffering hearing damage and shock.

The mine, which produces silver, zinc, and lead, has suspended operations while a multi-agency investigation involving NSW Police and the NSW Resources Regulator gets underway.

Safety Expert: “It Should Not Have Happened”
Professor David Cliff, a leading Australian mine-safety specialist from the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, said the event was preventable and required a comprehensive, methodical review.
“We need to make sure we thoroughly unpack the whole of the circumstances to understand any underlying causes so we can move forward and prevent these sorts of incidents,” he said.
“It should not have happened.”

He noted that while the cause remains unclear, explosives are routinely used in underground metal mining:
“If the detonation occurred unexpectedly, that may have caused the accident.”
Cliff warned that modern mines are increasingly complex, with deeper geology, smaller workforces, and greater production pressures — all factors that can heighten safety risks if not managed meticulously.

Community Mourning and Local Response
Cobar’s residents — many of whom are connected to the mine through family or community ties — have described the loss as devastating. Local churches have opened their doors for prayer and reflection.

Father Paul Finucane from St Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church said the tragedy had deeply affected the town:
“It’s a small community, so everybody knew everybody quite well … It really is a deep, deep hurt.”
He said churches of all denominations had invited residents to gather in quiet reflection, with “lights on, music playing, candles burning.”

The fatal explosion came just days after locals commemorated fallen miners during Cobar’s annual Festival of the Miner’s Ghost.

Support for Families and Workers
The not-for-profit crisis-support organisation Miners’ Promise has deployed trauma specialists to assist affected workers and families.

Executive director Debbie Morrow said 20 lives have been lost in mining-related incidents nationally between October 2022 and October 2025.
“Every time a tragedy like this occurs, everyone who works in mining is impacted,” she said.
Morrow urged compassion and patience as investigations unfold:
“Trying not to make assumptions or cast aspersions is very important. Let’s be respectful for the lives that have been lost and the disciplined approach that investigators will take.”

Industry Context and Ongoing Challenges
According to Safe Work Australia, mining has the third-highest fatality rate of any Australian industry, averaging nine worker deaths annually. Although fatalities have dropped over the past two decades, Professor Cliff said progress has plateaued in recent years.
“Mining is getting more complex, and the potential for things to go wrong increases if it’s not thoroughly planned and totally worked out.”

Common contributing factors, he said, include fatigue, skills shortages, and turnover that weakens institutional knowledge. These issues will likely form part of the regulator’s review.

Next Steps and Investigation Outlook
Professor Cliff warned that determining the root cause may take considerable time:
“The regulator does the best they can to investigate the causes, but quite often they have limited resources, so it takes a while to get to the bottom of it.”

He added that sometimes no single cause can be identified — instead, multiple small failures compound to trigger catastrophe. The NSW Resources Regulator has pledged a systematic investigation, with findings to be referred to the NSW Coroner.

Conclusion
As the Cobar community grieves, safety experts and investigators are beginning the difficult task of understanding how two lives were lost in the depths of the Endeavor Mine. With national attention again focused on mining safety, advocates say the lessons from Cobar must shape future reforms — ensuring that “dark days” like these are not repeated.