One miner has lost his life following a mine collapse at Ballarat Gold Mine, located on Woolshed Gully Drive at Mount Clear. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a large-scale emergency response.
Two miners were initially trapped by fallen rocks during the collapse. While emergency services were able to stabilise and rescue a 21-year-old man from Ballarat, who sustained lower body injuries, he was flown to the hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Unfortunately, the recovery operation on Thursday morning revealed the grim fate of a 37-year-old man from Bruthen, east of Bairnsdale, who succumbed to the incident after the rockfall.
Victoria Police said in a statement, “The incident occurred approximately 3km underground from the mine entry.”
“WorkSafe will investigate the incident while police will prepare a report for the coroner.”
The collapse took place approximately 3 kilometres underground from the mine’s entrance, prompting an extensive rescue and recovery effort. WorkSafe is set to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Australian Workers Union Victoria state secretary, Ronnie Hayden, disclosed that the two workers were engaged in air legging, a manual mining technique, under an unsupported area of the mine when it collapsed. Meanwhile, 28 other workers found refuge in a safety pod and were later brought to the surface unharmed.
Victory Minerals, the company that assumed operational control of the Ballarat Goldmine in December 2023, stated that its emergency response team worked closely with Victoria Police and other authorities following the collapse. The company emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of its workers and their families.
“We are a safety-first mine operator and respect the work that underground miners perform every day,”
Victory Minerals said.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the dangers faced by underground miners and the importance of stringent safety measures in the mining industry.
Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson expressed the community’s devastation over the news and assured support for those affected by the tragedy.
“We are a very resilient community,” he said.
“There will be great community concern and support by the local community to those that are involved.”
This is not the first time the Ballarat Gold Mine has experienced an emergency. In 2007, 27 miners were trapped underground for several hours before being successfully winched to safety. The mine, known for its extensive network of tunnels beneath buildings, streets, and homes, is a critical part of the local economy but also a reminder of the risks associated with mining operations.
The community and the families of the miners are now mourning the loss of life and reflecting on the need for continued vigilance and improvement in mining safety standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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