A major rescue operation remains underway at the Curragh Coal Mine in Central Queensland after a roof collapse left one worker missing and another hospitalised, triggering a large-scale emergency response involving specialist mine rescue teams.
Emergency crews gather at the Curragh Coal Mine near Blackwater after a roof collapse triggered a major underground rescue operation (Source: Yahoo News)
Emergency declared after underground collapse
Emergency services were called to the Curragh mining complex near Blackwater at about 3pm on Friday. Authorities said the incident occurred inside the Mammoth Underground Mine, which operates within the wider Curragh coal operation.
Queensland Mines and Rescue Service teams prepare to enter the Mammoth Underground Mine following Friday’s collapse (Source: ABC News)
Initial reports confirmed that three workers were involved when part of the mine roof gave way. Two miners were later located and brought to the surface, while a third remains unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
Queensland Police said one worker was transported to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Officers remain at the site to support other agencies involved in the response.
Search continues for missing worker
Rescue teams from the Queensland Mines and Rescue Service are working alongside emergency crews inside the mine. The collapse happened about one kilometre from the mine entrance, adding complexity to access and recovery operations.
The collapse occurred about one kilometre from the mine entrance, making access difficult for rescue crews. (Source: Stockcake)
Nine News reported the roof fall occurred roughly one kilometre underground. The depth and distance have required specialist equipment and careful planning to avoid further instability.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland confirmed it was notified of a roof collapse at the site. The regulator said it was working with emergency services to support the recovery of the missing worker.
“Our current focus is on supporting efforts to recover a worker involved in the incident,” an RSHQ spokesperson said.
Government and police confirm rescue efforts
Acting Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Tony Perrett said he had been briefed on the situation shortly after it occurred. He confirmed that two workers were recovered safely, while teams were still trying to reach the third.
“Emergency crews, including the Queensland Mines and Rescue Service, are on site and doing everything possible,” Mr Perrett said. He added that his thoughts were with the workers, their families, and the wider mining community.
Queensland Police stated officers were assisting partner agencies with their investigations into the industrial incident. They said further updates would be provided as more information became available.
Operator suspends mining activity
Mammoth Underground Mine Management, the contractor responsible for the underground section of the site, said it was fully cooperating with authorities. The company confirmed that one worker was unaccounted for following the collapse.
“Emergency response teams, in coordination with relevant authorities, are currently undertaking response and rescue activities on site,” a Mammoth spokesperson said. Mining operations have been suspended until further notice.
The company also said workplace support services had been made available to staff affected by the incident. Workers at the site have been stood down while emergency crews continue their work.
Curragh Mine and regional importance
The Curragh Coal Mine is located about 14 kilometres north of Blackwater in the Bowen Basin. The region is one of the world’s largest coal basins and Australia’s leading source of metallurgical coal.
Curragh has been operating since 1983 and was acquired by Coronado Global Resources in 2018. The site includes both open-cut and underground operations, with Curragh North and Curragh South currently active.
The Mammoth Underground Mine operates within the Curragh complex under contract. It supplies coal to Coronado, which manages the broader mining operation and production.
Media coverage and public updates
Television networks and news outlets have been providing rolling coverage of the incident as rescue operations continue. Images from the site show emergency vehicles and crews positioned near the underground access point.
Broadcasters have also shared statements from police, government officials, and safety regulators. Social media posts from news organisations have circulated updates as the situation develops.
One widely shared tweet from Nine News showed emergency crews working at the site, with the caption noting that fears remained for the missing miner. The post reflected the tense atmosphere surrounding the ongoing operation.
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Ongoing efforts and next steps
Rescue operations remained active into Saturday morning, with crews carefully advancing through the damaged section of the mine. Safety assessments are being conducted before each movement underground.
RSHQ and police will carry out a formal investigation once the missing worker is located and the site is secured. The focus for now remains on reaching the trapped miner as quickly and safely as possible.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates and avoid speculation. Further information is expected as rescue teams continue their work inside the Curragh mine complex.
FAQs
- What happened at the Curragh Coal Mine?
A roof collapse occurred in the Mammoth Underground section of Curragh Coal Mine in Central Queensland, leaving one worker missing and another injured. Emergency crews are conducting rescue operations.
- Where is the Curragh Coal Mine located?
The mine is located near Blackwater in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin, approximately 14 kilometres north of the town.
- How many workers were affected by the incident?
Three workers were involved. Two were rescued safely, while one remains unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
- Is the missing worker still trapped?
Yes, rescue teams are still attempting to reach the worker believed to be trapped about one kilometre underground.
- What injuries have been reported?
One worker was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Details about the missing worker’s condition have not been confirmed.
- Who is responding to the incident?
The Queensland Mines and Rescue Service, emergency services, Resources Safety and Health Queensland, and the mine operator are coordinating the rescue.
- What has the mine operator said?
Mammoth Underground Mine Management confirmed that rescue teams are on site and that mining operations have been suspended until further notice.
- Has the collapse affected other parts of the mine?
Only the underground section where the collapse occurred has been suspended. Other open-cut areas of the Curragh Mine remain active.
- What support is being offered to workers?
Workplace and psychological support services have been made available to personnel affected by the incident.
- How deep was the collapse?
The roof collapse occurred roughly one kilometre from the mine entrance, which has complicated access for rescue crews.
