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Cobar Mine Blast Survivor Home With Lasting Injuries as Regulator Flags Unintended Device Initiation

A staged restart follows the blast with inquiries still examining how a ballistic device was unintentionally triggered.

Overview

  • Sole survivor Mackenzie Stirling has left hospital and is recovering at home with permanent hearing loss, her family said in a fundraising appeal.
  • Holly Clarke, 24, and Ambrose “Ambie” McMullen, 59, died after the underground explosion at Cobar’s Endeavour Mine on October 28.
  • The NSW Resources Regulator reported workers were using a ballistic disc explosive device to clear a blockage when the device initiated unintentionally during setup.
  • Polymetals said the precise cause remains unknown but confirmed mining and processing will restart in stages this week, beginning with exploration drilling, concentrate transport and statutory electrical works.
  • NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the incident and the NSW Mineworkers Alliance pledged a thorough probe, underscoring ongoing concern over underground safety conditions.