Two loved Cobar locals are being mourned following a mine explosion at Endeavour Mine about 40 kilometres from the town earlier this morning.

It is understood a father of four was one of the two people killed by the explosion.

The other a woman in her twenties.

The Western Plains App understands the man is highly regarded in the community for his dedication to the Cobar Roosters.

He was pronounced dead by Central North Police and emergency services about 3.45am on October 28.

Central North Police are staging a recovery operation with other emergency services to lift the dead man from 500m underground as at 3.40pm.

Two women were brought to the surface; however, one has since died. She was also heavily involved in the arts community in Cobar.

The second woman has now been airlifted to Orange hospital suffering hearing damage and shock.

Safework NSW has told the Western Plains App the NSW Mining Regulator NSW Resources is in charge.

They issued this statement to us.

''The NSW Resources Regulator is investigating a fatal workplace incident at Endeavor Mine near Cobar, which occurred on 28 October 2025.

"Emergency services remain at the scene."

State member for Barwon Roy Butler said it was heartbreaking.

"My heart goes out to the community of Cobar following this morning’s tragic news. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives, to their colleagues, and to their communities.

"This loss will be felt deeply and widely.

"As we begin to process this heartbreaking event, I ask that we all respect the privacy of the families and friends affected during this incredibly difficult time."

Cobar Shire Mayor Jarod Marsden has expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those miners killed in the tragic incident.

''Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues affected by this devasting event. Living and working in small towns means news like this can have a deep and personal impact on many of us, both directly and indirectly please check on one another in the coming days and weeks,' 'he said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said, "We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the workers who have tragically died in Cobar today.

''This is a heartbreaking day for the Cobar community and will be felt across the entire mining industry.

"We understand investigations are still underway.

"The number one priority in any mine must be safety.

"Everyone who goes to work has the right to come home.

"While safety protocols and procedures have greatly improved in mining, these deaths are a sobering reminder of why we need to always remain vigilant to protect workers.''

The new owner of the Endeavour Mine has suspended trading telling the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) ' the Company requests up to a two-trading day trading halt pending an announcement or announcements in relation to a serious safety incident at the Endeavor Mine Site, including an update on the consequences of the incident."

Endeavour is a silver, zinc, and lead mine that operated from 1982 to 2020, and which was recently purchased by new owners Polymetals who sought to restart production this year.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says the tragedy highlights the hazards faced by those working in the mining industry.

Galilee says it’s a sombre reminder of why it must never deviate from a commitment to the safety of its workforce.

SafeWork Australia says 124 workplace fatalities across the country prior to this incident, as of 16 October 2025.

The mining sector has reported three workplace fatalities up until this period, ranking fourth highest fatality rate last year with 11 deaths, in comparison with the highest ranking being the transport, postal, and warehousing industry with 53 deaths last year.

Australia has averaged 191 worker deaths each year over the 2020-2024 period, with the mining industry averaging seven deaths annually.

The NSW Mineworks Alliance says ''The thoughts of tens of thousands of miners across NSW are with the families and colleagues of those deceased and injured ,and with the community of Cobar at this difficult time.''