Sole Survivor of Cobar Mine Explosion Faces Permanent Hearing Loss and Long Recovery

Incident Overview

On Friday, 28 October 2025, two miners were killed in an underground explosion at Polymetals’ Endeavor Mine near Cobar in central New South Wales. The blast occurred at approximately 3:45am during a night shift when three workers were setting explosive charges approximately 700 metres underground.

A third worker, 24-year-old Mackenzie Stirling, survived the incident but sustained permanent hearing damage. The NSW Resources Regulator was notified immediately and has launched a full investigation into the unintended detonation.

• Fatalities:
  • On Friday, 28 October 2025, two miners were killed in an underground explosion at Polymetals’ Endeavor Mine near Cobar in central New South Wales
  • Deceased:
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• A third worker, 24-year-old Mackenzie Stirling, survived the incident but sustained permanent hearing damage
• On Friday, 28 October 2025, two miners were killed in an underground explosion at Polymetals’ Endeavor Mine near Cobar in central New South Wales
• Deceased:

In Summary

The NSW Resources Regulator is appealing for any workers, contractors or visitors who were at the Endeavor Mine site on 28 October 2025 between 2:00am and 5:00am to come forward with information. Witnesses and co-workers with relevant details about the incident, equipment condition, or safety procedures are urged to contact the NSW Resources Regulator on 1300 814 609 or via the online incident-report form at resourcesregulator.nsw.gov.au.