Key Takeaways
- A roof collapse occurred at the Curragh coal mine in Blackwater, central Queensland, on Friday afternoon.
- Two men were caught in the collapse, with one taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the other remaining unaccounted for.
- The incident occurred in the underground section of the mine, approximately 1 kilometre from the entrance.
- Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating the incident and providing support to the recovery efforts.
- The mining operation is owned by Coronado Global Resources, which acquired the site in 2018.
Introduction to the Incident
A serious incident occurred at the Curragh coal mine in Blackwater, central Queensland, on Friday afternoon, resulting in a roof collapse that trapped two workers. The incident was reported to emergency services at approximately 3 pm, and rescue efforts are currently underway to locate the missing miner. The mine, which has been in operation since 1983, covers an area of approximately 256 square kilometres and includes both open-cut and underground mining operations.
The Mine and Its Operations
The Curragh mine is a significant coal mining operation in central Queensland, with a long history dating back to 1983. The mine has undergone expansions over the years, including the addition of an underground mine, known as Mammoth Underground, which began operations in December 2024. The mine is owned by Coronado Global Resources, an international coal company that acquired the site in 2018. The company has been contacted for comment on the incident, but no statement has been released as yet. The mine’s operations are overseen by Resources Safety and Health Queensland, the government entity responsible for ensuring the safety and health of mining workplaces.
Response to the Incident
Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and Resources Safety and Health Queensland officers, responded quickly to the incident, with rescue efforts focused on locating the missing miner. One man was located and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while the search for the second miner continues. The incident occurred in the underground section of the mine, approximately 1 kilometre from the entrance, making the rescue efforts challenging. The RSHQ spokesperson confirmed that the organization’s officers are on site, working alongside ambulance and police crews to support the recovery efforts.
Investigation and Support
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Resources Safety and Health Queensland taking the lead. The organization’s primary focus is on supporting the recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. The incident highlights the risks associated with mining operations and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment. The mining industry is subject to strict safety regulations, and incidents like this one serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and attention to safety protocols. Coronado Global Resources, as the owner of the mine, will likely face scrutiny over the incident and its response to the crisis.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The roof collapse at the Curragh coal mine is a serious incident that has resulted in one miner missing and another injured. The response to the incident has been swift, with emergency services and Resources Safety and Health Queensland working together to locate the missing miner and support the recovery efforts. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all personnel involved. The mining industry must learn from incidents like this one, and Coronado Global Resources, as the owner of the mine, must take steps to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The community will be watching closely as the situation develops, and it is hoped that the missing miner will be located safely and soon.