One of Queensland's deadliest mining accidents in recent years will be subject to a major investigation after two workers were killed when their ute fell down a void 100 metres underground.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Dylan Langridge, 33, and Trevor Davis, 36, were working underground in MMG's Dugald River zinc mine near Cloncurry when their ute fell part-way down a 15-metre void on Wednesday morning.
Rescuers found and extracted the ute a day later but the two men had already died from their injuries.
Another worker was involved when the drill rig he was operating fell about 15m but he was rescued with minor injuries.
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart says the accident will have a deep impact across the community and the mining industry.
"This is a tragic time in our mining history and while the industry is a very big industry in Queensland, it's still a very close-knit family and this will affect a lot of people," he said.
Local MP Robbie Katter says his entire community is in mourning, and people should keep the family, friends and workmates of the two men in their prayers.
"It is also important that we recognise everyone we know in our community who works in the mines and be grateful for the job they do and appreciate them coming home safely each shift," the Traeger MP said in a statement on Thursday.
"The most important thing for now though is that we remember these men and support their families as they grieve."
Resources Safety and Health Queensland will begin an investigation into the accident when the site is deemed safe to enter.
The mine will remain closed until a police investigation concludes with RSHQ to determine when it re-opens.
The men were employees of mining services company Barminco, a subsidiary of ASX-listed firm Perenti.
Perenti chief executive Mark Norwell said the deaths of two workers were devastating.
"Our primary focus is that of support for the families and colleagues of Trevor and Dylan and in parallel completing a comprehensive investigation," he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his condolences to the two men's families, posting on Twitter that they would be "in our hearts tonight".
MMG chief executive Liangang Li insisted safety was the first value at the company and vowed to learn from the accident.
"We now need to come together to support everyone who has been impacted and understand the cause of this incident so that it cannot happen again," he said.
Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said the industry was deeply saddened by the loss of the two workers, adding it was committed to ensuring every employee returned home safe and healthy.
"The industry recognises that meeting this commitment requires continuous vigilance to prevent all fatalities, injuries and occupational illnesses," she said.
Australian Associated Press
