Following last week’s tragedy at Endeavor Mine, where two workers lost their lives and another was injured, some of the mine’s employees are set to return to work today as part of the company’s staged recommencement of operations.
Polymetals employees, Patrick McMullen (known as “Ambrose”, aged 59, Mining Supervisor and Shotfirer) and Holly Clarke (aged 24, a Miner and Shotfirer) tragically lost their lives following a “premature detonation of an explosive device” on October 28, with Mac-Kenzie Stirling, another member of the mining team, injured.
Polymetals Executive Chair Dave Sproul said the Company is providing every possible support to the families involved and to all those impacted as they work through this devastating period.
He said they were grateful to the mine’s first responders and Emergency Response Team, local emergency services, the New South Wales Police Service and the NSW Resources Regulator for their support and involvement.
“Words fall short of how deeply affected the Polymetals’ family is by this tragic incident,” Mr Sproule said.
“The feeling of profound sadness when life is lost is never forgotten.
“We’re devastated by what has happened and share our deepest thoughts and condolences with the families, their friends and our col-leagues.
“We are doing everything we can to support those affected,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our team is the Company’s highest operational priority,”
Mr Sproule said. “We are working with the Authorities to assist their investigations as to how this incident occurred and will not rest until we understand
what happened.” Polymetals reports a preliminary view is that the incident happened at around 3am approximately 700m underground and is understood
to have occurred during the time in which shot firing was being prepared as a secondary detonation activity.
Mr Sproule said at this time, the cause of the incident is unknown. All mining and surface operations were immediately
suspended, and the Company, and Authorities commenced investigations which are ongoing.
Mr Sproule said it is hoped that outcomes from these investigations will help eliminate any re-occurrence of such an incident within
the industry. While respecting the grief personnel are feeling, the Company is planning to recommence operations in a staged manner.
Exploration drilling and concentrate transport was to recommence this week, as well as completion of planned statutory electrical
works. In line with the planned stages, personnel will return to work commencing today. Counselling will continue for team members
with the progressive resumption of mining and processing activities. The family of Mackenzie Stirling, the third mine worker who was injured in the blast and
believed to have sustained permanent hearing damage and trauma, have set up a GoFundMe page to help with her medical expenses and
recovery.
