The desperate search has continued through the night for two mining contractors missing after an underground zinc mine collapse in northern Queensland.
Rescuers using drone technology have found a light vehicle the workers were believed to be driving when the collapse happened at Dugald River Mine near Cloncurry on Wednesday.
The collapse, which happened about 125 metres below the surface, involved a light vehicle and a drill rig falling into a void at the mine operated by MMG.
Rescue teams have been trying to locate the two Barminco contractors who were unaccounted for following the incident.
Barminco owner Perenti on Thursday said specialists using drones, void-scanning technology, and video imagery had located the light vehicle, and rescue teams were using heavy underground mining equipment to access the location.
The mine’s operator MMG has suspended work as the search continues.
“Two Barminco employees working at MMG’s Dugald River mine in Queensland were this morning involved in an incident and currently remain unaccounted for,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“The site’s emergency response has been activated and is working closely with Barminco and authorities to assist in search and rescue efforts. Operations at Dugald River have been halted while the search is underway.
“MMG has extended all available resources and support to Barminco and the Dugald River Mine.”
Perenti managing director Mark Norwell said the rescue operation would be executed as quickly and safely as possible.
“While the situation is still evolving, we are in contact with the family members of our missing team members, and Perenti is providing support to their colleagues and rescue team,” he said.
MMG suspended work at the mine, which employs about 500 people, after the incident.
Inspectors from Resources Safety Queensland have been at the site assisting emergency responders.
Local state MP Robbie Katter said on Wednesday the event was “obviously the worst nightmare” for a mining community, and there was a lot of anxiety about the situation.
“We know emergency services are on the ground, and we are praying for a good outcome,” he said.
