Investigation underway following Cobar mine double fatality

An investigation is underway by the NSW Resources Regulator following a double fatality that occurred underground at an underground metalliferous mine on 28 October.

The incident at Cobar in NSW occurred when workers were preparing a ballistic disc explosive device to clear a blockage in the draw point of a stope. An unintended initiation of the charge resulted in fatal injuries to two workers and injuries to a third worker.

“At the time of the incident, workers were tasked with removing a blockage from a stope by using a ballistic disc explosive device. Workers were in the process of setting up when the unintended initiation of the device occurred,” the NSW Resources Regulator stated on 31 October.

“The Resources Regulator has commenced a full investigation into this incident. The investigation is at an early stage and no definitive causal factors contributing to this incident have yet been identified.”

The regulator also stated that it is “is engaging with manufacturers, suppliers, and mine operators who currently manufacture, supply or hold/use ballistic-disc type explosive charges, as well as SafeWork NSW who license the ballistic disc device.

“The Regulator may prohibit the supply and use of explosive charges if it believes the use of the charges involves a serious risk to the health or safety of people at a mine site.”

Due to the series nature of the incident, the regulator has recommended that mine operators should do the following while this incident is under investigation:

• Review risk assessments regarding the use of explosives on site.
• Reconsider the need to use ballistic disc explosive devices in mining applications.
• Consider reasonably practicable alternative methods for clearing blockages in stopes.
   

Image credit: iStock.com/davidmariuz. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.