Australia mine explosion: man and woman killed in NSW outback

Another woman was being treated in hospital for hearing damage and shock

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Emergency services were called to the Endeavor mine at Cobar, about 700km (435 miles) northwest of Sydney, in the early hours of Tuesday after reports two people had been critically injured.

Police said a man, in his 60s, was confirmed dead at the scene and two women, both in their 20s, were brought to the surface, but one later died. The second woman was airlifted to hospital for minor injuries and shock.

Polymetals Resources, which bought the Endeavour mine in 2023, said all operations at the site had been temporarily suspended.

It did not say what caused the explosion. The company's executive chairman Dave Sproule said it was "shocked and saddened by the tragic incident" and "our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to the employee's families, friends and colleagues".