Search efforts have continued throughout the night for two mining contractors who are missing after an underground zinc mine collapse in Queensland. Rescue teams utilizing drone technology have located a light vehicle that the workers were believed to be driving when the incident occurred at Dugald River Mine near Cloncurry on Wednesday. The collapse was estimated to be 125 metres below the surface and involved a light vehicle and a drill rig falling into a void at the MMG-operated mine.
Barminco owner Perenti has reported that specialists using drones, void-scanning technology, and video imagery were able to locate the light vehicle and that rescue teams are now using heavy underground mining equipment to access the site. Perenti managing director Mark Norwell stated that the rescue operation will be conducted as quickly and safely as possible and that they are in contact with the family members of the missing team members.
MMG has suspended work at the mine, which employs approximately 500 people, following the incident. Inspectors from Resources Safety Queensland are currently at the site, assisting emergency responders. Local state MP Robbie Katter expressed his concern for the situation and said, “We know emergency services are on the ground, and we are praying for a good outcome.”