A devastating underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, western New South Wales, has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting an urgent response from emergency services. Located approximately 700 kilometers northwest of Sydney, the mine became the site of a harrowing rescue operation. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while two women were brought to the surface. Tragically, one of the women succumbed to her injuries, and the other was airlifted to a hospital, suffering from hearing damage and shock. Authorities have announced that a comprehensive report will be prepared for the coroner, and the state’s workplace safety authority will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the situation as ‘absolutely tragic,’ emphasizing the profound impact on the tight-knit mining community. ‘The most valuable thing to come out of a mine are the miners, and two families don’t get to see their loved ones anymore,’ he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The Endeavor mine, which has been operational since 1982, was acquired by Polymetals Resources in 2023. The company had recently been in the process of restarting mining activities focused on silver, zinc, and lead production. The mine features a 7-kilometer decline and a 300-meter shaft, according to its website.