‘Heartbreaking’: Two Dead After Underground Mine Explosion in NSW’s Far West

Incident Overview

On Tuesday, 28 October 2025, an underground explosion at the Endeavor Mine near Cobar in far western New South Wales claimed the lives of two workers and injured a third. Emergency services were called to the site on Endeavor Mine Road, approximately 450 kilometres west of Sydney, around 3:45am local time.

One male worker died underground in the blast, while two female workers were brought to the surface. One woman was pronounced deceased following her evacuation, and the second was airlifted to hospital with hearing damage and shock. The mine has been sealed off pending investigation by SafeWork NSW and NSW Police.

• Fatalities:
  • One male worker died underground in the blast, while two female workers were brought to the surface
  • Deceased:
  • The NSW Mineworkers Alliance expressed shock at the incident, with spokesperson Tony Callinan pledging that the union would “leave no stone unturned” in understanding what happened and working with regulators to identify causes and lessons
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• One male worker died underground in the blast, while two female workers were brought to the surface
• Deceased:
• The NSW Mineworkers Alliance expressed shock at the incident, with spokesperson Tony Callinan pledging that the union would “leave no stone unturned” in understanding what happened and working with regulators to identify causes and lessons

One male worker died underground in the blast, while two female workers were brought to the surface. One woman was pronounced deceased following her evacuation, and the second was airlifted to hospital with hearing damage and shock. The mine has been sealed off pending investigation by SafeWork NSW and NSW Police.

SafeWork NSW is leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion, supported by NSW Police. Police will prepare a report for the NSW Coroner. Polymetals has paused trading on the ASX pending further announcements and is cooperating fully with authorities and investigators on site.

SafeWork NSW is appealing for any workers, contractors, or persons with relevant information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses and co-workers are encouraged to contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or the NSW Police Coroner liaison. Reports can also be made via the SafeWork NSW online incident-report form at safework.nsw.gov.au.

In Summary

SafeWork NSW is appealing for any workers, contractors, or persons with relevant information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses and co-workers are encouraged to contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or the NSW Police Coroner liaison. Reports can also be made via the SafeWork NSW online incident-report form at safework.nsw.gov.au.