Rescue crews have reportedly located the ute that two missing mine workers were driving when they fell around 25 metres in a site collapse at a mine 70km northwest of Cloncurry, however the workers remain unaccounted for.
A delicate rescue mission was launched at the Dugald River mine site shortly after 8am yesterday after a 30-tonne drill rig fell into a stope, which was about 100m below ground.
The two missing workers were travelling in a ute behind the massive mining vehicle when the ground gave way.
The operator of the mining vehicle was able to leap free before the rig dropped into the void.
Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor, Greg Campbell, appeared on live TV this morning to share his thoughts on the incident.
“We are all thinking of the family of the two people involved and of those rescuers, and hope that we can get a positive outcome,” the Mayor said.
“The vehicles have fallen down what’s called a stope…the rescue is going to be difficult. Underground space is very confined and very dark and we are all just hoping for the best.”
In a statement, the parent company of Barminco, Perenti – which employs the underground workers – said rescue teams had worked into the night to find the pair.
“Rescue efforts continued overnight as Barminco worked closely with MMG and relevant authorities to undertake and progress the search and rescue operation,” the company said.
“The rescue team have employed the use of drones, void scanning technology and video imagery and this has enabled them to locate the light vehicle that we believe the two missing employees were driving.
“The rescue team have been working throughout the night including with the use of heavy underground mining equipment to gain access to the vehicle.”
All operations have been suspended as the rescue effort continues.
