Tragedy in Outback NSW: Two workers are killed and one injured in a devastating underground explosion at the Endeavour Mine in Cobar. Investigations launched into the ‘catastrophic failure’ at the recently reopened silver, zinc, and lead site.
A devastating underground explosion at the Endeavour silver, zinc, and lead mine near Cobar, in far western New South Wales, has left two workers dead and a third injured.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit mining community and prompted a major investigation into workplace safety.
Two Cobar Locals Confirmed Dead
Emergency services were called to the Polymetals Resources-owned site, approximately 450 km east of Broken Hill, at around 3:45 AM following reports of a critical workplace incident involving a blast.
- A man believed to be in his 60s was confirmed dead at the scene following the explosion.
- Two women in their 20s were brought to the surface; one tragically died shortly after.
- The second woman was airlifted to a hospital, suffering from hearing damage and shock.
Police have confirmed all three workers were residents of the small, mining-dependent community of Cobar, though formal identification of the deceased is pending.
‘Catastrophic Failure’ Suspected as Operations Halted
While the precise cause of the blast remains officially under investigation, the Mine Workers’ Alliance Southwestern District president, Bob Timbs, described the incident as an “uncontrolled explosion” and a possible “catastrophic failure” in the system used for setting explosives.
The Endeavour Mine, a significant silver, zinc, and lead operation in the Cobar Basin, had only recently restarted mining activities under the ownership of Polymetals Resources after a period of care and maintenance.
Polymetals Executive Chairman Dave Sproule expressed the company’s shock and sadness, confirming that mining operations have been suspended indefinitely while the site emergency response team works with authorities. The company has also requested a two-day trading halt on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Premier Minns Vows Full Investigation
The tragedy has drawn an immediate response from state leaders, with NSW Premier Chris Minns calling it a “heartbreaking day for the Cobar community” that will be “felt across the entire mining industry.”
The New South Wales Resources Regulator will lead the investigation into the cause of the explosion, working alongside SafeWork NSW and police, who will prepare a report for the coroner.
Local Mayor Jarrod Marsden captured the raw grief of the town, stating, “The most valuable thing to come out of a mine are the miners, and two families don’t get to see their loved ones anymore.”14
The Premier emphasized that despite safety protocols having “greatly improved,” the deaths are a “sobering reminder of why we need to always remain vigilant to protect workers.”
