Investigations are continuing into Tuesday's October 28 mine explosion and a spokesperson for Polymetals Resources Ltd says the community and mine family are profoundly affected.

While respecting the grief personnel are feeling, Executive Chairman Dave Sproule says the company is planning to recommence operations in a staged manner from next week.

Exploration drilling is expected to recommence next week, as well as completion of planned statutory electrical works.

“Words fall short of how deeply affected the Polymetals’ family is by this tragic incident," Mr Sproule said.

"We’re devastated by what has happened and share our deepest thoughts and condolences with the families, their friends and our colleagues.

"We are doing everything we can to support those affected.

"The safety and well-being of our Team is the Company’s highest operational priority.

"We are working with the Authorities to assist their investigations as to how this incident occurred and will not rest until we understand what happened.”

In a statement today (Friday 31 October), Polymetals Resources Ltd provided an update on the incident.

Lost in the explosion were Patrick McMullen (known as “Ambrose”, aged 59, Mining Shift Supervisor) and Holly Clarke (aged 24, Charge-up Operator) who were working underground at the company’s Endeavor Mine last Tuesday.

Both Holly and Patrick were qualified shotfirers. 

Shotfirers, or blasters, are skilled roles in mining operations.

They  assemble, position, and detonate explosives to dislodge rocks and soil, both outdoors and underground.

‘’We also express our heartfelt wishes to MacKenzie Stirling, a member of the mining team, who is currently recovering at home," Mr Sproule said.

"The Company is providing every possible support to the families of those who were lost and all those impacted as we work through this devastating period."

Polymetals expressed gratitude to the first responders and Emergency Response Team, as well as local emergency services, the New South Wales Police Service and the NSW Resources Regulator for their support and involvement.

Speculation on reasons why the explosion continue but the NSW Resources Regulator said it might take some time for results to come.

A preliminary view is that the incident happened at around 3am (AEDT), approximately 700m underground, and is understood to have occurred during the time in which shot firing was being prepared as a secondary detonation activity.

However, at this time, the cause of the incident is unknown.

All mining and surface operations were immediately suspended, and the Company, and Authorities commenced investigations which are ongoing.

It is hoped that outcomes from these investigations will help eliminate any re-occurrence of such an incident within the industry.

In line with the planned stages for re-opening, personnel will begin to return to work from Wednesday 5 November 2025.

Counselling will continue for team members with the progressive resumption of mining and processing activities.