What We Know: Cobar Mine Explosion Claims 2 Lives

A man in his 60s and a woman in her 20s were killed; another young woman has been hospitalised with hearing damage and shock.

A screenshot captured from a ABC News broadcast on Oct. 28, 2025, shows a general view of the mine on Endeavour Mine Road at Cobar, about 450km east of Broken Hill. PR Image/Supplied by ABC News

A tragic underground explosion at a remote New South Wales (NSW) mine has left two people dead and one injured, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit outback community of Cobar. Here’s what we know so far.

When and Where It Happened

The incident occurred at around 3:45 a.m. on Oct. 28 at the Endeavor Mine, located about 40 kilometres north of Cobar in northwest NSW.

The underground site is a major silver, zinc, and lead operation in the Cobar Basin, recently acquired by Polymetals Resources.

Emergency crews were called to the scene after reports of an explosion deep underground.

The Victims

Two people were killed—a man in his 60s and a woman in her 20s, both believed to be Cobar locals.

Another woman, also in her 20s, was airlifted to hospital after suffering from hearing damage and shock.

Police said formal identification is still pending, and families are being supported by local authorities and the mining company.

How the Emergency Unfolded

When first responders arrived, one man had already been confirmed dead underground.

Two women were subsequently brought to the surface. One died shortly after, while the other survived and is receiving treatment.

Operations at the mine have since been suspended, and the site remains closed to workers.

The Investigation

A full investigation into the cause of the explosion is now underway.

SafeWork NSW and the NSW Resources Regulator have sent inspectors to the site, while NSW Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The resources regulator confirmed that all mining activity has ceased.

“Inspectors and investigators from the regulator have been deployed to the site. All miners have been sent home,” NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said.

Polymetals requested a two-day trading halt on the ASX following what it described as a “serious safety incident.”

Community Reaction

Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden said the tragedy had left the town reeling.

“Two families’ loved ones didn’t come home from a night shift. Their lives have been changed forever. We’re devastated—just in shock,” he said.

He urged residents to look after one another in the days ahead.

“Please take care of yourself and check in on one another over the coming days and weeks.”

Industry Response

The NSW Mineworkers’ Alliance called for an open and transparent investigation.

“We will leave no stone unturned in identifying what has occurred here. Events like these send shockwaves through our entire mining industry,” spokesman Tony Callinan said.

NSW Minerals Council Chief Stephen Galilee echoed those concerns, saying the tragedy underscored that safety must always remain the top priority.

“The thoughts of tens of thousands of miners across NSW will today be with the families, colleagues, and residents of Cobar,” he said.

Government Reaction

Premier Chris Minns described the deaths as “heartbreaking.”

“The number-one priority in any mine must be safety. Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home,” he said.

Minister Houssos said the government would support a thorough review of safety protocols across the state’s mining sector.

Background on the Mine

The Endeavor Mine has operated since the early 1980s and is one of the largest projects in the Cobar Basin. It was placed in care and maintenance in 2020, before being purchased by Polymetals in 2023, with mining activity resuming earlier this year.

Cobar, a town of roughly 3,600 residents, relies heavily on the mining industry, particularly copper, gold, and zinc extraction.

The town has experienced previous tragedies—including mine disasters in 1971 and 1980, which claimed multiple lives.

What Happens Next

Emergency crews currently remain at the site.

SafeWork NSW will lead the investigation into the explosion’s cause, with findings to be presented to the coroner.

Authorities and community leaders have urged residents to support the victims’ families and await further updates from police and regulators.