Rescue Efforts Underway After Mining Collapse Traps Worker in Queensland
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A desperate rescue operation is underway in central Queensland after a roof collapse trapped a miner underground at the Curragh mining complex near Blackwater. Authorities were alerted to the incident at the Mammoth Underground mine around 3 p.m. on Friday, sparking a large-scale emergency response.
Urgent Response to Underground Incident
Specialist rescue services are working to reach the trapped man, while another worker received treatment for injuries at the scene. Sadly, a third miner remains unaccounted for, adding to the urgency of the situation. A spokesperson for the mine’s operator, which contracts with Coronado Global Resources, confirmed that all operations at the Mammoth Underground mine have been suspended until further notice.
“Emergency response teams, in coordination with relevant authorities, are currently undertaking response and rescue activities on site,” the spokesperson stated. They also emphasized that support is being provided to staff affected by the incident.
Curragh Complex Overview & Recent History
The Curragh mining complex, located approximately 14 kilometers north of Blackwater, has been a significant regional employer for over 40 years. The complex comprises three mines: the Mammoth Underground mine and two open-cut mines, which continue to operate despite the suspension at the underground site. The complex is a key supplier of metallurgical and thermal coal used to generate electricity for the state of Queensland.
The Mammoth Underground mine itself only commenced operations in December 2024, making this incident particularly concerning.
Union & Political Response
The Mining and Energy Union Queensland is closely monitoring the situation, with Industry Safety and Health Representative Stephen Smyth on-site. “The Mining and Energy Union Queensland is aware of the serious situation unfolding at the Curragh mine site,” a statement from the union read. “We are closely monitoring and will provide support wherever possible to affected workers and their families.”
Federal MP for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, expressed her concern via social media, stating, “Our mining community is a close-knit one. We look out for each other, and safety is always the top priority. That’s why incidents like this hit so hard.”
History of Accidents at Curragh
This incident is not isolated. According to the Mine Safety Institute of Australia, there have been at least three other mine accidents at the Curragh complex since 2010.
- In August 2010, 55-year-old James Brunswick, a contractor from the Sunshine Coast, died in a vehicle rollover.
- In January 2020, 33-year-old Donald Rabbit, a tyre fitter from Goondiwindi, was fatally trapped under heavy machinery.
- In November 2021, 54-year-old dragline operator Clark Peadon was crushed by a metal plate while performing cable work. This incident resulted in a $80,000 fine for Coronado Curragh for breaching health and safety obligations.
Notably, Queensland mines experienced four work-related fatalities in 2024, a number that thankfully decreased to zero last year.
Rescue operations are continuing as authorities work against the clock to reach the trapped miner and determine the extent of the collapse.
