Polymetals (ASX:POL) has restarted activities at the Endeavor Silver-Zinc Mine in Cobar, New South Wales, following an underground explosion that took two lives last month.
The explosion happened at 3am AEDT on 28 October 2025, causing the death of Patrick ‘Ambrose’ McMullen and Holly Clark from 700m below surface, as reported by Mining.com.au.
The cause of the incident is still unknown, occurring ahead of shot firing operations for a secondary detonation activity.
Mining teams are now moving to continuous shift work after integrating back into the workplace for day shifts following the explosion.
Polymetals began hoisting and continuous milling of ore last Saturday (15 November), following a review of handling activities and explosives usage. The company expects to ship silver-lead concentrate in early December, which is in transport.
Zinc concentrate was first shipped in October.
Meanwhile, the Carpark prospect is currently undergoing diamond drilling, focusing on uncovering additional mineralisation that aligns with underground workings.
The company has deployed a night shift to streamline productivity, which will be accompanied by a second drill rig, scheduled to arrive this week.
Executive Chairman Dave Sproule says the loss of McMullen and Clark has affected countless people, bringing together employees, families, colleagues, and the greater Cobar community.
“All recognise the need to recommence operations and I am pleased that we have achieved this which enables the business to support our people, suppliers and stakeholders,” Sproule says.
“We remain focussed on seeking to understand how this accident happened, hoping that any definitive outcome may improve safety in blasting operations on an industry wide basis.”
SafeWork Australia has reported 145 workplace fatalities this year alone, as of 13 November 2025.
Following the deaths of McMullen and Clark, the mining industry has seen five workplace fatalities in 2025, up until this period.
Mining faced a total of 11 deaths last year, ranking as the fourth highest fatality rate, compared to the transport, postal, and warehousing industry ranking the highest last year with 53 deaths last year.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Polymetals
